Analysing three ways Real Madrid can line up under Xabi Alonso | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Real Madrid manager has sparked real hope among fans and it is easy to see why.

His success with Bayer Leverkusen, where he broke Bayern Munich’s long Bundesliga dominance, showed that he can build a winning team.

Supporters are now expecting him to repeat that magic in the 2025/26 season, especially after a disappointing, trophyless year under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Santiago Bernabéeu faithful know Alonso is a manager who loves attacking, high-energy football, the kind of “rock and roll” style that makes matches exciting.

But entertaining football alone won’t be enough. Real Madrid need a stable, reliable starting XI that can perform in the biggest games, something they did not have last season.

Injuries and squad imbalance meant Ancelotti could never settle on a consistent lineup. Alonso’s first job is to fix that problem.

One of his early comments says it all that “It can be flexible.” this means he is open to switching systems depending on the situation, as seen during the World Cup, when he used Auréelien Tchouameni as a pivot in a 4-4-2 that turned into a 5-3-2 when defending.

This tactical flexibility could be a game-changer for Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga ambitions.

The old-school 4-4-2

One way Real Madrid can lineup under Xabi Alonso

When looking at the squad, certain names pick themselves, including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Alvaro Carreras, Dean Huijsen, and Thibaut Courtois.

With seven spots seemingly locked in, the fight for the remaining positions will be fierce.

A 4-4-2 diamond suits this group perfectly. Tchouameni could anchor the midfield, with Valverde alongside him and either Arda Güuler or Dani Ceballos taking the final slot.

There is also the option to push Valverde into the pivot role and use both Ceballos and Güuler, or even give a chance to young talent Franco Mastantuono.

This shape offers balance between defence and attack, keeps Bellingham in his best position, and allows Mbappe and Vinicius to combine up front.

For Alonso, it could be the safest way to ensure stability in La Liga while still playing exciting football.

Alonso’s preferred three-man defence

This is Xabi Alonso’s preffered lineup.

Alonso also has a strong case for using a three-man defence, which frees up space for more creative players.

In this system, Tchouameni’s role is less essential, meaning Güler or Ceballos could feature more often.

The wing-backs are vital here, and since Madrid have already roped in Trent Alexander-Arnold, he will thrive in this advanced role compared to Dani Carvajal.

This is not just theory, as Alonso has tested it. During the FIFA Club World Cup, Madrid beat RB Leipzig 3-0 and Juventus 1-0 using his 3-5-2 approach. The shape gave them control in midfield while keeping the forwards dangerous.

What about 4-3-3?

A 4-3-3 setup could be the way to go for Alonso.

A 4-3-3 is another possibility, with Mastantuono stepping into Rodrygo’s former right-wing role, and Valverde and Bellingham supporting Tchouameni in midfield.

Alonso already sees Bellingham as a midfielder rather than an advanced forward, so this setup could work, though it risks the imbalance that hurt Ancelotti’s team last season.

Whatever formation Alonso chooses, one thing is certain that the fans are expecting him to deliver a starting XI that can dominate both La Liga and the Champions League.

With Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham in attack, and Alonso’s tactical mind on the touchline, Real Madrid might just be about to enter another golden era.