Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso outlines plans for TAA, Guler and Tchouameni

Real Madrid are in the early stages of a new era under Xabi Alonso, and several players are being focused on by the ex-Bayer Leverkusen head coach. And he has now spoken on some of them.

One player that Alonso has plans for is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who struggled on his Real Madrid debut against Al Hilal. Alonso sees the defender as being able to play multiple roles as a right-back, as he told the media during his pre-match press conference on Saturday (via Diario AS).

“He has done it at Liverpool and sometimes with England. It’s not just a wing-back, he can play an inverted role.”

Alonso also spoke on Arda Guler, whom he sees as more of a midfielder despite him being utilised on the right wing during his cameo against Al Hilal earlier this week.

“He’s one of those players who must be close to the ball. The more touches he gives, the better he will play. The other day he played a great game.”

Aurelien Tchouameni was also discussed, with Alonso speaking on the possibility of the France international being a centre-back option for him, as he was for Carlo Ancelotti throughout the 2024-25 domestic season.

“He is a fundamental pillar of the squad. Due to his weight and his different functions, he constantly makes small decisions to help the collective. He wants to be important and that good disposition is very important.”

The topic of a new striker possibly being signed was also addressed, but Alonso was keen to reference Gonzalo Garcia after his goalscoring performance in the Al Hilal draw.

“He can contribute like he did the other day. He is a striker who can make references, he had three chances in addition to the goal.

“We didn’t have so much players in the area. We’ll see in the future (if a new striker needed to be signed), now we’re focused on this competition. Decisions will be made later.”