Real Madrid have been very active in the summer transfer window so far. After a disappointing 24/25 campaign where Los Blancos came up short on multiple fronts, Carlo Ancelotti was dismissed and replaced by former player Xabi Alonso.
The Spanish giants have been working hard to improve their squad ahead of the Club World Cup and they've done just that, having already sealed the signatures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono. They are also expected to sign Benfica left-back, Álvaro Carreras, in the coming months.
The summer arrivals mean Alonso now has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. And, according to Spanish journalist Manu Carreno, the 43-year-old already has his best starting XI in mind ahead of the new season.
After revealing the XI on Cadena SER's radio sports programme El Larguero, Carreno said: "This is the starting eleven Xabi Alonso has in mind right now, not for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, but rather for the start of La Liga."
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao/Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Thibaut Courtois remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world and it's no surprise at all that Alonso trusts him to be the man between the sticks. The back four in front of him, though, is much changed.
New signings Trent and Huijsen are in Alonso's best XI, as is Carreras, who has not officially signed yet but is expected to seal a move soon. Huijsen will be paired at the back by either Eder Militao or Antonio Rudiger.
Alonso also has Dani Carvajal at his disposal, who will compete for the right-back berth with Trent when he returns to full fitness after a long injury layoff. David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Fran García would also be available to the Spaniard.
Midfielders
Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Franco Mastantuono
jude bellingham real madrid
Aurelien Tchouameni has emerged as one of the best midfielders in the world since joining Real Madrid in 2022 and Alonso wants him to start in midfield alongside Federico Valverde, who played multiple games at right-back last term after Dani Carvajal suffered a season-ending injury.
Jude Bellingham is, unsurprisingly, also in Alonso's preferred XI alongside new signing Mastantuono. The Argentine, despite being just 17 years old, has already played over 60 matches for River Plate and has also been capped by his country. He might be young but the midfielder, who signed in a €45 million deal this summer, is expected to be a starter from the outset.
The likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Dani Ceballos have not been included in Alonso's best XI but could all play a big role throughout the season.
Forwards
Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe
Vinicius Jr
Kylian Mbappe was so impressive in his debut season at Real Madrid, scoring 43 times and recording five assists in 56 matches. He features in Alonso's best XI alongside Vinicius Jr, who was unable to replicate the form he showed in 2023/24 last campaign, but still remains one of the best attackers in world football.
Rodrygo does not feature in Alonso's best XI. The 24-year-old, who has been at the club since 2019, has been linked with a big-money move away this summer. As things stand, Alonso will also have Brahim Diaz and Endrick as options in attack.
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