Real Madrid have opened their new chapter under Xabi Alonso with two straight wins in La Liga, both without conceding a single goal.
While the team’s play is still developing, the early signs are promising, and it is already becoming clear which players are central to the manager’s plans.
Alonso has stressed from the beginning that no player is untouchable. However, it is evident that he knows certain players cannot be left out if the team is to function well.
Out of the 25-man squad, five names have become the spine of his Real Madrid, namely, Thibaut Courtois, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
All five have played every minute of the opening two league matches. Together, they provide the balance between defence, midfield control and leadership on the pitch.
At the back, Courtois has returned to his best form after injury troubles last season. The Belgian has reclaimed his spot as the undisputed No.1.
Ahead of him, Alonso has placed trust in two new arrivals – Huijsen and Carreras. The centre-back was a key figure during the Club World Cup.
Carreras, meanwhile, has seized the left-back role after just 20 days of pre-season, pushing Fran Garcia out of the line-up entirely.
In midfield, Valverde and Tchouameni are Alonso’s generals. Valverde continues to show his tireless energy and versatility, qualities that made him essential under Carlo Ancelotti.
Tchouameni, on the other hand, has finally silenced the doubts with his strong performances.
After inconsistent displays and being played out of his natural position, the Frenchman is now one of Madrid’s most reliable performers, dictating play and protecting the back line.
With this backbone in place, Alonso has laid the foundation for creativity further up the pitch.
Lastly, while it is known that Kylian Mbappe is equally important for Alonso, the Frenchman was substituted against Oviedo.