Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Football, FIFA Club World Cup
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Football, FIFA Club World Cup
Real Madrid team news has been 'leaked' for their Club World Cup opener as Xabi Alonso has made a big Trent Alexander-Arnold decision.
Real, who qualified for the competition after winning the 2021/22 Champions League, begin their campaign on Wednesday when they face Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in Miami, Florida.
It marks a new era for the Spanish giants following the managerial appointment of Alonso, who has replaced Carlo Ancelotti.
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Alonso has the opportunity to win his first major trophy for Real ahead of the 2025/26 season.
They are among the favourites to win the revamped Club World Cup.
Ahead of getting their United States venture underway, Real team news has emerged on social media and Alonso has supposedly made some big calls.
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According to Spanish outlet Cadena Sar, Alonso is set to start Alexander-Arnold against Al Hilal.
Alexander-Arnold joined Real from Liverpool and was officially unveiled last Thursday, where he stunned board members with his speech.
Fellow summer signing Dean Huijsen, who arrived from Bournemouth, is also set to feature from the start.
And, per the report, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. will 'lead' the attack in Wednesday's fixture.
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Speaking ahead of taking charge of his first competitive game for Real, Alonso expressed his excitement at the early signs that he is seeing.
"We are starting a new stage and we have to prioritise what is important: what we want to be, how we want to play and that we feel it. We want to be able to do that from the first moment, from the match against Al Hilal. First, we must be able to recognise ourselves," he said.
“Talking with the players has been very positive. Little by little you get to know them, you have that much-needed contact and little by little more players are arriving.”
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Alexander-Arnold added: "I am no stranger to seeing Real Madrid win trophies. It's an amazing history the club has got, and I'm joining an exciting team with a lot of potential. I am excited to get started, straight to the USA, and we want to win the Club World Cup. I am looking to have a great start."