Real Madrid’s Pre-Season Puzzle: Injury Woes and Emerging Talents Shape Xabi Alonso’s Strategy
The air at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground is thick with anticipation, but also a touch of anxiety. As the 2025-26 season looms, a spate of injuries has thrown a significant spanner into Xabi Alonso’s meticulously crafted pre-season plans. With key figures like Mendy, Camavinga, Valverde, Bellingham, and Endrick sidelined, the challenge for the young manager is not just about fielding a competitive XI against WSG Tirol, but about navigating a critical phase that will undoubtedly reveal hidden strengths and potential future directions for Los Blancos. The upcoming friendly is less an “exam” and more a crucial diagnostic, where adaptability and the emergence of less-heralded talents will be paramount.
The Midfield Maze: Crafting a New Identity Amidst Absences
The most glaring impact of these injuries is felt in the heart of the midfield. The enforced absence of two established starters means Alonso must rethink his central unit. The trend from the commanding 4-1 victory over Leganés suggests a continued preference for a fluid 4-3-3 formation, but the personnel within that structure require significant recalibration. This period presents a golden opportunity for players to step into the spotlight and demonstrate their worth, potentially shaping the team’s midfield identity for the entire season.
Güler and Huijsen: A Promising Partnership Takes Flight
Emerging from the shadows, Arda Güler is poised to play a pivotal role. His link-up play with central defender Rafa Marín (or Huijsen in this context) was a notable positive during the Club World Cup, hinting at a telepathic understanding that could unlock defenses. Alonso’s likely deployment of Güler to aid in ball progression from the back, alongside Huijsen, suggests a deliberate strategy to build from defense with technical prowess. This tandem’s burgeoning chemistry could become a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s build-up play, offering a different dimension to their attacking approach.
Tchouameni Anchors, Ceballos Injects Energy
In the defensive midfield pivot, Aurélien Tchouaméni is the natural anchor, tasked with providing stability and breaking up opposition attacks. His role becomes even more critical with the midfield absences. Stepping into the interior role vacated by Valverde, Dani Ceballos offers a different skillset – one characterized by energy, pressing ability, and an eye for a forward pass. His inclusion signals a desire for dynamism and a willingness to press high, complementing Tchouaméni’s solidity.
The Attacking Vanguard: Familiar Faces, New Configurations
Upfront, the attacking trio is expected to feature some of the club’s most potent threats, though the positions may see subtle shifts. Kylian Mbappé is anticipated to operate from the left, with Vinícius Júnior on the right. The central striker role is earmarked for a promising talent, identified as “Gonzalo” in the source material, suggesting a young forward given a crucial opportunity to impress. This configuration highlights Real Madrid’s commitment to integrating promising youth alongside established stars.
The WSG Tirol Encounter: A Pre-Season Proving Ground
The projected starting XI against WSG Tirol is a fascinating glimpse into Alonso’s immediate tactical considerations:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defense: Trent Alexander-Arnold (right back, unusual but noted), Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen, and Fran García (left back)
- Midfield: Aurélien Tchouaméni (defensive midfield), Arda Güler, and Dani Ceballos (interior midfielders)
- Attack: Kylian Mbappé (left wing), Vinícius Júnior (right wing), and Gonzalo (striker)
This lineup, while demonstrating adaptability, also raises questions about the fitness and readiness of key players like Militão, whose impact will be closely monitored. The bench, featuring experienced options like Andriy Lunin, Antonio Rüdiger, and dynamic attackers like Brahim Díaz, provides ample opportunity for rotation and tactical adjustments throughout the match. The goal is not just victory, but robust preparation for the league opener against Osasuna on August 19th.
Beyond the Friendly: Strategic Implications for Real Madrid’s Season
The injury crisis, while inconvenient, forces Real Madrid to explore tactical flexibility and unearth hidden gems. This pre-season under Xabi Alonso is a crucial period for Real Madrid’s 2025-26 season prospects. The performances of players like Güler and Huijsen could redefine the team’s midfield dynamics. Furthermore, the integration of new attacking partnerships, even with temporary personnel changes, offers valuable data for Alonso as he prepares for the rigors of La Liga and other competitions. The ability of the squad to adapt to these unexpected challenges will be a key indicator of their overall resilience and potential for success.
The tactical blueprint being tested against WSG Tirol could offer significant insights into how Real Madrid plans to operate in various scenarios, particularly when key players are unavailable. The success of this strategy will be crucial in building momentum early in the season.
Looking ahead, the ability of Real Madrid to effectively manage player fatigue and integrate returning injured stars will be paramount. The depth of the squad, as evidenced by the substitute options, will be tested, and the performances of these secondary players could prove decisive.
What are your predictions for Real Madrid’s midfield rotation this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
