Xabi Alonso picks key starter for Real Madrid line-up

Real Madrid’s Squad Reinforcement

Real Madrid has made significant strides in strengthening their squad over the summer, with a focus on bringing in younger players to succeed aging first-team members. Players like Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Franco Mastantuono, and Alvaro Carreras have been added to the team, aiming to bounce back from last season’s disappointments across all competitions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Impact

The €10m signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool is a major coup for Real Madrid. This season, he will be competing with Dani Carvajal for the starting right-back position under new head coach Xabi Alonso, with the long-term goal of taking over as the club captain in the future.

Competition for the Right-Back Position

The 2025-26 campaign will see a fierce battle for the right-back position between Trent and Carvajal. According to Diario AS, Trent is expected to start the season as the undisputed choice for the position, given his suitability to Alonso’s preferred system.

Carvajal’s Fitness Journey

Carvajal faced a setback last October with a serious ACL injury against Villarreal, which kept him out of action until his brief return during the Club World Cup. Reports suggest that he will require several months to regain full match sharpness, paving the way for Trent to start the season as the first-choice right-back.

However, once Carvajal is back to full fitness, a fierce competition is expected for the right-back position under Alonso. While Trent may be better suited to the coach’s system, Carvajal’s defensive abilities make him a valuable asset. The decision on who will be the preferred pick for Real Madrid will be closely watched throughout the season.