A man in the foreground with a serious expression and, in the background, a group of players in blue uniforms celebrating on the field.
Xabi with PSG behind | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Xabi only saves 4 players from the debacle against PSG: he tells Florentino

The warning Florentino PĂ©rez will receive from Xabi about the only players who have met his expectations

by

Didac Aguirre

Despite the defeat, the match against PSG in the World Cup has been of great help for Xabi Alonso. The coach, throughout that entire match, managed to notice the players he can count on for next season. According to what we know at Defensa Central, these players are Gonzalo García, Fran García, Fede Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Throughout the entire match against the Parisian side, these four players were the only ones who kept the pressure on their opponents. Constantly searching for the ball, the other players didn't follow the instructions set by Xabi. This situation, of course, has raised serious doubts and will be reported to Florentino PĂ©rez.

For the play style Xabi wants to establish, it's essential that there is commitment from the entire team. Although the performance throughout the World Cup was acceptable, the elimination against PSG exposed the mistakes Xabi Alonso needs to fix.

An almost nonexistent sacrifice

By making several changes to the playing system, Xabi Alonso has a clear idea with his schemes for Real Madrid. Along with dynamic and versatile soccer, Xabi Alonso also seeks defensive commitment from the entire team.  PSG, throughout the match, showed exactly what Xabi is looking to establish at Real Madrid.

Soccer player in a dark Real Madrid uniform celebrating on the field with arms outstretched and a satisfied expression
Gonzalo celebrating | Real Madrid Confidencial

While Fede Valverde's commitment is no surprise, Fran GarcĂ­a experienced a resurgence during the World Cup. Having adapted perfectly to Xabi's schemes, Fran has managed to enhance his skills and help the team in any situation.

As for Tchouaméni, the Frenchman managed to overcome a poor start to the season to become one of the best at the club. Gonzalo García, despite being a youth academy player, has exposed the lack of sacrifice that both Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé showed against PSG.

Changes to be made

Having to determine whether to allow some players to leave or not, only the four mentioned are secure in the team. An alarming number that shows the state of the squad, with no sacrifice on its part to fight until the end.

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