Xabi Alonso is still settling into life as Real Madrid boss.
The former Spain international instantly accepted the challenge of returning to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu following Carlo Ancelotti’s exit in May.
A three-year contract underlines the faith club president Florentino Perez has in his ability to translate superb success at Bayer Leverkusen into a revival for Los Blancos.
Perez has already sanctioned a double Premier League transfer raid with Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold both arriving in time for their FIFA Club World Cup flight to the USA.
More signings are expected after the tournament – with Benfica confirming ongoing transfer talks over Alvaro Carreras – but tactical changes are a greater focus for Alonso.
The Basque coach is still debating a move to switch away a four-man defence to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold greater freedom.
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Finding the optimum spot for Trent is just one challenge for Alonso as he also looks to get the best out of Turkey international Arda Guler.
Where does Guler play in Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid?
Real Madrid held off challenges from Barcelona and other European giants to secure a transfer swoop for the highly-rated Guler from Fenerbahce in 2023.
However, injuries and a lack of clarity over his place in Ancelotti’s set up undermined his progress, despite some impressive flashes of brilliance.
The 20-year-old made just four La Liga starts in his debut 2023/24 campaign – but still managed six goals – with 14 league starts [and 14 off the bench] in 2024/25.
That forced a crossroads in his career, amid rumours of a rift with Ancelotti over his application at the highest level, with the Italian consistently overlooking him.
With Alonso considering a system that includes two No.10s. in behind Kylian Mbappe, Guler could be moved into a more natural role and the schemer has already told the boss where he wants to play next season.
“I feel more comfortable at No.8 or 10, but if the team needs me as a winger I can do it. But, Xabi Alonso sees me more as a midfielder and I told him I agree,” as per reports from Mundo Deportivo.
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