Real Madrid have made a very good start to life under Xabi Alonso, who has used his squad during the opening four matches of the new season. That continued in the victory at Real Sociedad on Saturday, where there was a surprise start for midfielder Dani Ceballos.

Ceballos had made cameos in wins against Osasuna, Real Oviedo and Mallorca, but after he almost left Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, it was expected that he would not feature too prominently in Alonso’s plans for the 2025-26 season. However, the start in Donostia-San Sebastian has confirmed that he is very much there, as per Diario AS.

Alonso is said to be a big fan of Ceballos, whom he believes is a differential option compared to the rest of his midfielders. And despite not starting in the first three matches of the season, there is a belief that he can command a regular spot in the line-up if he plays at a high level when called upon.

Ceballos almost joined Marseille in the summer

During the summer, Ceballos expressed a desire to leave Real Madrid, as he wanted to secure a regular starting spot elsewhere to give himself the best chance of being included in Luis de la Fuente’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. He was close to joining Marseille, but at the last minute, he turned down the move.

Ceballos will have his work cut out to start regularly for Real Madrid this season, considering that he has to compete with Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga. However, Alonso has shown faith in him, so if he can replicate the form he showed in stages last season, he could force himself further up the pecking order in the coming weeks.