A new Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso is focusing on balancing his Real Madrid team around the trio of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior, who have a combined market value of €510 million and form the core of the club's long-term project. Bellingham's return from injury is seen as crucial for the upcoming matches, including a packed schedule in October, and Alonso aims to integrate him fully after a rocky debut in the derby where Madrid suffered a 5-2 loss.

Despite the individual brilliance of Mbappé, Bellingham, and Vinícius, who collectively contributed 81 goals and 39 assists last season, the team has struggled defensively when all three start together. In 30 matches with the trio, Madrid conceded 48 goals, averaging 1.6 per game, and won only 17 games while losing 10, including defeats to top opponents like Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona in El Clásicos, and Arsenal in the Champions League. This highlights a need for improved defensive balance under Alonso's management.

Alonso is experimenting with tactical formations, such as the 4-2-3-1 used in the derby, which showed promise in attacking chemistry but flaws in midfield control without players like Arda Güler alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni. With key absences like Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal, players like Fede Valverde are filling in, but Alonso expects to have a full-strength lineup by the time of El Clásico, which will be a critical test for the team's cohesion.

The midfield and forward positions are competitive, with Tchouaméni appearing untouchable and Valverde likely securing a spot, leaving one position contested between Güler and Franco Mastantuono. Güler has emerged as a breakout star with four goals and six assists, while Mastantuono embodies Alonso's emphasis on competitive DNA. The upcoming matches against Getafe and Juventus will serve as important steps in fine-tuning the team before the high-stakes El Clásico.