Xabi Alonso considering surprise tactical move with Real Madrid defender

Real Madrid's preparation for the 2025-26 season has been disrupted by a shortened pre-season due to their participation in the Club World Cup. Despite this, head coach Xabi Alonso is formulating multiple squad plans, one of which involves defender David Alaba.

Although Real Madrid reportedly would have preferred Alaba to leave this summer due to concerns about his fitness and ability to contribute, the player has decided to stay. Alonso is now exploring how best to utilize the Austrian.

While Alaba would be the fifth-choice centre-back, Alonso is considering deploying him in midfield – a position he hasn't played for Real Madrid since joining from Bayern Munich four years ago (where he played only left-back and centre-back). However, Alaba does have midfield experience from his time at Bayern and regularly plays there for the Austrian national team.

Real Madrid's pursuit of a new midfielder this summer depends on a first-team departure. With Alaba staying, the most likely exits are Rodrygo Goes, Ferland Mendy, or Dani Ceballos. Should Ceballos leave for Real Betis – a reported possibility – Alaba's chances of being used in midfield would increase.

It remains uncertain if Alonso will implement this plan during the early weeks of the La Liga season, but there is an opportunity due to injuries ruling out midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham.