Xabi Alonso facing two key selection dilemmas at Real Madrid this season | OneFootball

Real Madrid are looking to earn nine points out of nine as they play hosts to RCD Mallorca later this evening.

Once the match is over, Xabi Alonso will receive a much-needed breather owing to the upcoming international break.

During this period, the Real Madrid coach is likely to sit back and think about the combinations that have worked so far so that he can better prepare for the season ahead.

As of now, Alonso is facing two key selection dilemmas, as far as the Real Madrid starting eleven is concerned and both of them lie in defence, reports AS.

The great divide at right-back

Earlier this summer, Real Madrid roped in Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer with the hope that the Liverpool superstar will add competitive edge to the squad and eventually become a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal.

While it was always expected that Carvajal will give stern competition to Trent, it is perhaps a bit concerning that the Englishman is already fall in comparison to the veteran’s performances.

Trent has fallen behind Carvajal in the pecking order. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Indeed, Carvajal is already back in top form after returning from an injury and has become a theoretical starter in the team.

However, the Spaniard is not getting younger and given Trent’s predicament, Alonso must soon choose a definitive favourite at right-back.

Who will be Huijsen’s partner?

Another key area where Alonso is facing a selection dilemma is central defence, where new signing Dean Huijsen has become a first-team regular.

But who starts alongside the young Spaniard has become the great question, with Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger fighting for a place in the team.

Militao is the favourite as the Brazilian participated in pre-season. However, Rudiger performed well against Oviedo and is giving stern competition.

Keeping Militao’s fitness record in time, Xabi Alonso must find a careful balance between the two players while also keeping in mind that Rudiger’s stay at the club may not extend beyond the end of the season.