Xabi Alonso lock-in Brazilian international as desired defensive partner for Huijsen next season | OneFootball

Real Madrid suffered a collective collapse in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal as they were humbled to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The Madrid defence was completely in tatters. But one player who did stand out in an otherwise clueless defensive performance was Eder Militao.

The Brazilian centre-back returned to the pitch for the first time in 242 days, coming on in the 64th minute.

Despite the long injury layoff, Militao delivered a solid cameo: he was not dribbled past once, completed 4 defensive actions, won 67% of his duels (4 out of 6), including 3 out of 3 ground duels, and did not commit a single foul.

Alonso considers Militao a first-choice starter

In the wake of Militao’s strong performance in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal, Diario AS reports that Xabi Alonso has already found his defensive partner for Dean Huijsen next season.

Does Militao have what it takes to become the face of the Real Madrid defence? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba’s fitness struggles, coupled with Raul Asencio’s inconsistent performances Militao’s resurgence has given Alonso a much-needed boost.

The Brazilian’s pace, composure, and aerial strength align perfectly with Huijsen’s ball-playing profile, thus bringing balance to the Real Madrid defence.

Xabi Alonso, though, must be cautious with Militao’s poor injury record, as the Brazilian has struggled with multiple long-term injuries in the past.

Keeping that in mind, it is essential that the new Real Madrid coach also trains an alternative as he looks to build the core of the new-look Real Madrid defence.

Players like Asencio, Alaba and Rudiger will indeed play a key role in this endeavour.