The Xabi Alonso revolution has begun at Real Madrid, but key questions in midfield still linger for the Spanish giants.

After a disappointing 2024/25 season, Real Madrid underwent some significant changes this summer. It all started with the arrival of Xabi Alonso as their new boss. With the Spanish manager coming in, Los Blancos decided to address some key issues in their squad and give him the players he needs to succeed at the club.

The team in white have had a lot of issues at the back over the last two seasons because of injuries to key players. As a result, they ended up signing Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. With Eder Militao and David Alaba struggling to stay fit, they brought in Dean Huijsen to add much-needed depth in the heart of the defence.

Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold is the long-term successor of Dani Carvajal, and with Lucas Vazquez gone, the duo will now compete for a spot in the starting XI. Given Ferland Mendy’s injury track record, Alvaro Carreras has come in to add more competition on the left flank.

Apart from the key defensive additions, Los Blancos even signed Franco Mastantuono to further bolster their attack. He is considered the next big thing in the world of football, and Real Madrid have snapped him up at the right time. Since they didn’t have a natural right-winger, he can certainly prove to be a valuable addition.

Meanwhile, the Spanish giants parted ways with Luka Modric, Alvaro Rodriguez, Reinier, and Jesus Vallejo, alongside Vazquez. Overall, Real Madrid did some impressive business in the summer. However, they could have done a few things differently.

While the defence and attack seem sorted, they could have added a bit more quality in the centre of the park with both Toni Kroos and Luka Modric now gone. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at three things the team in white could have done differently this summer.

Real Madrid needed a creative successor to Luka Modric

Despite being 39, Modric still played an important role at Madrid last season. While he was not a regular starter, every time Carlo Ancelotti needed someone to control the tempo, keep hold of the ball or add more creativity, he would turn to the Croatian international.

While he could have given Real Madrid another season, the board felt it was the right time to let go of the soon-to-be 40 midfield superstar. They decided to back the younger options that they have in their arsenal. However, one could argue that they could have brought in another creative midfielder to cope with his absence.

Toni Kroos’s departure last year was already a massive blow for them, and without Modric, they could struggle to unlock some of the best defences in the world. While the Merengues do have the likes of Guler and Bellingham to add creativity, Alonso would have loved to have someone who could sit deep, do the defensive bit, as well as create.

They could have perhaps looked at Angelo Stiller, who has been doing wonders for VfB Stuttgart. Since he is only 24, the German international could have been a part of their midfield for the long run. He has the vision as well as the composure, making him an ideal fit in Alonso’s system.

While Stiller prefers playing in the holding role, he could even feature as a central midfielder. Apart from the VfB Stuttgart midfielder, they could have also looked at Nico Paz, who is an out-and-out attack-minded midfielder. He could have provided direct competition to Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler.

Tottenham were ready to pay €70 million for the 20-year-old, which gives us a clear indication of the quality of the player. Meanwhile, Real Madrid could have signed him for just €8 million thanks to a buy-back clause in his contract.

Using Rodrygo to Fund a Midfield Upgrade

Rodrygo’s future was one of the major talking points throughout the summer. Following Xabi Alonso’s arrival, the Brazilian international slipped down the pecking order and was unwilling to settle for a rotational role.

The 24-year-old was open to a potential departure, and while Real Madrid were ready to sanction a move if their demands were met, they chose not to force him out, instead opting to wait for a significant bid.

Things did not go as planned, and Rodrygo eventually decided to stay at the club despite his links with Liverpool and Manchester City. Having him as an option is undoubtedly an advantage for Alonso, but his departure could have provided the funds for some key additions to the squad.

Real Madrid could have easily raised close to £100 million from his sale, which in turn could have been used to sign someone like Adam Wharton. The Crystal Palace star remains on Los Blancos’ radar, but the club could have pushed to secure him this summer to give Alonso another defensive midfield option.

Not only is Wharton a promising defensive-minded midfielder, but he is also capable of operating as a deep-lying playmaker, a profile Alonso has been particularly keen on since taking charge of the team.

Offloading Midfielders to Make Room

Another area Madrid could have managed better lies in the composition of their midfield. While the squad boasts plenty of quality, it is far from balanced. Eduardo Camavinga, despite his immense potential and versatility, has struggled with persistent injury concerns. When fully fit, he could be a great option, but he often finds himself on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Dani Ceballos has never been able to establish himself as a key figure, despite being around for a long time. While he has shown a lot of promise, he hasn’t been able to stamp his authority.

Parting ways with one or both of them could have freed up some space for potential new arrivals in midfield. It would have reduced their wage bill and allowed Alonso the opportunity to sign players who are a better fit for his system and project in the long run.

Offloading them would have allowed Real Madrid to integrate someone like Wharton, Stiller, or Paz. Signing at least two of them would have given them depth on the defensive as well as the offensive side of things.

Real Madrid have enjoyed a productive summer window and addressed some key issues, particularly in defence. However, when it comes to their midfield, there is a sense that they could have done more to future-proof the squad.