Xabi Alonso seriously considering starting Real Madrid youngster vs Al-Hilal | OneFootball

Real Madrid will play their first game of the Xabi Alonso era later tonight as they take on Al-Hilal in their first Group H game of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.

All eyes will be on the new manager as fans eagerly await to see how he sets up the team and the starting lineup he picks for his first game in charge.

The defensive side of things seem pretty much settled with both new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen expected to start alongside Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia.

The likes of Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Aurelien Tchouameni are the leading candidates to start in midfield.

Kylian Mbappe’s possible absence in attack due to a fever has opened up a spot in attack.

Arda Guler to start?

As such, AS now reports that manager Xabi Alonso is seriously considering handing a start to Arda Guler on the right flank tonight against Al-Hilal.

Alonso believes in Guler. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

With Mbappe out, Rodrygo is expected to feature at centre-forward while Vinicius Jr. will keep his place on the left. And, Guler could now be a strong candidate to take the final spot in the Real Madrid frontline tonight.

It is no secret that Guler is a player Alonso admires greatly. Bayer Leverkusen have attempted to secure him on loan for the past two summers, but the youngster had closed the door firmly.

During their first days working together since June 9, Alonso has taken a very close interest in the youngster. In yesterday’s training session, during the 15 minutes open to the press, he was seen giving specific instructions to the Turkish prodigy.

It could be a strong indicator that Guler is in line for a starting berth tonight when Real Madrid take on Al-Hilal in their Club World Cup opener.

A gifted talent, Guler was unable to nail down a spot for himself in the team under Carlo Ancelotti. But he will hope that things are different with Alonso.