The Club World Cup yesterday offered us a day rich in first. At 6 p.m. Rayan Cherki was making his big start in the Manchester City jersey. Three hours later, a little more people were gathered to attend the great first of Xabi Alonso on the Real Madrid bench against Al-Hilal. In the end, the Casa Blanca version Alonso did not really convince (1-1), even if it is obvious that an assessment cannot be drawn up after a single match played in a competition where a large part of the players are washed.
However, some questions were quickly raised, notably by the Spanish press. And this concerns the central defense sector. Clearly: What will be the central hinge of Xabi Alonso for the 2025/2026 season? Recruited this summer in Bournemouth in exchange for € 50 million, Dean Huijsen seems to have scored points. Like what happened with Spain, the former Cherries resident was up to the event from his first match. Serene, Huijsen has once again demonstrated an exceptional science of pass. The one that we already nicknamed the “Chill Guy” in Madrid was rather happy with his beginnings Merengues after the match. “” I think I played well for my beginnings. I think we were better and that we could have obtained a better result. It was not possible, and we must continue to work. »
Competition is raging
On the other hand, Raul Asecio cannot say as much. Guilty of provoking the penalty that brought the equalization of al-Hilal, the Madrid revelation of the 2024/205 season has given way to half time. A change that was not a sanction according to Alonso. “He has been under antibiotics for a few days and has suffered a lot. Hence the change. It was very hot. It is not an excuse, but it is not the best time to play, even if we know the reasons. Vinicius also has suffered from cramps since the 70th minute and al-Hilal is also exhausted. »» Nevertheless, if Huijsen seems to be well left to be the left axis holder, the question arises for the right flank. As mentioned above, Asencio was the revelation of Real Madrid this season. And despite his troubles with justice, the player will soon extend his contract until 2031. On paper, Asencio is supposed to make the pair with Huijsen and Florentino Pérez undoubtedly locked the future of Casa Blanca in this position.
But before projecting into the future, and as we have the relationship a few weeks earlier, Asencio is still far from having a guaranteed holder place. AS Indicates that Antonio Rüdiger claims a place of holder for this club World Cup after his operation at the meniscus last April. At 32, the German remains determined to prove that he is always one of the tauliers of the Madrid rearguard. We have also revealed to you that he too could prolong his lease. More experienced than his young teammate, Rüdiger also had more vice, which failed in Defense Merengue yesterday. While waiting for David Alaba's return from injury (which applies for the left side) and without forgetting Eder Militão, what choice will Xabi Alonso? Should he maintain his confidence in youth or will he decide to call on an old one? Response next Sunday against the Mexicans of Pachuca.
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