Alonso's Real Madrid Era Begins With Major Changes

Xabi Alonso started his role as Real Madrid manager during the FIFA Club World Cup, implementing significant tactical and squad changes as he prepares for the 2025/26 season. Fede Valverde has taken over as captain with Luka Modric on the bench and Dani Carvajal sidelined by injury. New signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen have started both matches and are poised to be key players. Valverde scored in a 3-1 win over Pachuca after missing a penalty in a prior draw with Al Hilal, earning comparisons to Steven Gerrard from Alonso. The team currently leads its group and is set to face RB Salzburg next. Alonso's leadership and the team's evolving dynamics are drawing widespread attention from the football community.