Real Madrid’s Tactical Evolution Under Xabi Alonso: A New Dawn for the White Legion

Madridistas, the new season is just around the corner — and there’s a quiet sense that something big is starting to take shape. With Xabi Alonso now officially in charge, we’ve already seen hints of what this new era might look like. The win over Juventus and the loss to PSG and the Chaos against Borrusia Dortmund in between at the Club World Cup may be behind us, but those games showed more than just results — they showed us the early signs of a team trying to find a new identity. It’s not just about tactics or systems; it’s about how this group moves, thinks, and reacts. Alonso’s fingerprints are already visible.

The Core of Xabi’s Vision

You can see what he’s trying to build: a team that controls the game, wins the ball back fast, and attacks with sharp intent. The press is high, the tempo is deliberate, and there’s always an idea behind every pass. Against Juventus, Real didn’t create much in the first half, but you could tell they were sticking to the plan. Players were well-positioned, the ball moved with purpose, and when there was no space, Valverde and Vinicius tried their luck from distance. That’s part of it too — patience mixed with aggression.

The high line Alonso prefers is risky, no doubt. Juventus had their moments, but Real’s positioning helped avoid major danger. The wing-backs — Fran Garcia and Trent — are key in this setup. Garcia said it himself: the idea is to win the ball back near the opposition box and turn defense into attack in seconds. It’s intense, and it takes a lot of discipline, but when it works, it looks really good.

A Shift from the Old Ways

This is already looking like a very different team from what we saw under Ancelotti. That system leaned heavily on Vinicius, almost to a fault. Garcia’s overlapping runs were often ignored. Now? Everyone has a role. The wing-backs push forward with purpose, and players like Güler and Huijsen are trusted to find those runs with through-balls. Garcia looks more confident, more involved, and honestly — more effective than ever.

Güler in the Middle

Arda Güler is another major piece of the puzzle. He’s made it clear he prefers to play centrally, and Alonso agrees. Güler is calm on the ball, sharp with his passing, and always scanning — that head tilt is becoming his signature. He connects midfield to attack with ease. Next to Huijsen, he’s part of a duo that helps carry the ball forward. Bellingham plays just ahead, slipping between the lines, while the wing-backs provide width.

That said, Güler’s still not a defensive presence. If Real’s press breaks down and the wing-backs are caught high, they’re exposed — and PSG showed that clearly. The good news? Bellingham and Valverde cover a ton of ground, which gives the team a chance to recover quickly. But it’s still a risk, especially against faster sides who are better on the ball.

Gonzalo Garcia Looks the Part

One of the most exciting surprises so far is Gonzalo Garcia. His movement, first touch, and intelligence off the ball are way beyond his age. Against Salzburg, that delicate chip looked like something out of Raul’s playbook. He’s not the biggest aerial threat, but his pressing and hold-up play add real value. In fact, he looks more complete than someone like Joselu in many aspects.

But the bigger question is what happens when Vinicius and Mbappe both start. Does Garcia keep his spot? Or does he come off the bench as a super-sub? Knowing Alonso, reputation won’t guarantee minutes — and that’s a good thing.

The Mbappe-Vinicius Challenge

Here’s the part that still needs work: playing both Mbappe and Vinicius up front. Against PSG, it didn’t click. The press was off, the defensive structure was loose, and the high line became a gamble. Courtois said it best — players were slow to rotate, the back line was exposed, and Real paid the price. Alonso admitted after the game that it wasn’t a tactical change — it was a breakdown.

That kind of structure only works if every player commits defensively. And if either Mbappe or Vinicius isn’t fully locked in, it becomes a problem. If it keeps happening, Alonso might have to make a tough call — maybe even bench one of them. It would be controversial, but if it’s the right move for the team, so be it. Win games, and the noise fades.

Looking Ahead

Alonso’s had just six games, and there’s already a real shift in how Real Madrid plays. The Club World Cup gave him more time to work, even though the loss to PSG was a reality check. But in terms of style and direction, this team is clearly moving forward. Huijsen fits well, Garcia looks like a different player, and Trent is growing into his role.

There’s still a lot to figure out. The high line needs to be more secure, the front line needs better balance, and the midfield press has to be more consistent. But the signs are good. Alonso’s system isn’t about short-term results — it’s about building something sustainable.

The real test will come in the regular season. But for now, there’s reason to believe. This feels like the beginning of a new chapter — one that could take Real Madrid to another level.

What do you think? Does this system have the legs to bring home silverware? Or are we in for more growing pains before the real success begins?