Xabi Alonso’s tactical blueprint for Real Madrid and the signings being planned – report | OneFootball

Earlier today, Xabi Alonso announced that he will be leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season as he nears a move to Real Madrid.

The 43-year-old former midfielder will return to the Santiago Bernabeu as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor after enjoying a rapid rise to prominence in his managerial career thanks to a brilliant campaign at Leverkusen in 2023/24.

A new look for Real Madrid

Now, according to MARCA, Xabi Alonso will take over as Real Madrid manager with a clear tactical identity – one shaped by his successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen and rooted in a system he considers fundamental – a 3-4-3 formation.

Having begun his coaching career with the Real Sociedad B team, Alonso has polished and fine-tuned his tactical philosophy at Leverkusen and trusts the 3-4-3 or a 3-4-2-1 system.

At its core is a back three that demands two key qualities: composure when building from the back and the ability to win one-on-one duels. Ahead of the defensive line, Alonso relies on a double pivot to provide further solidity.

In attack, the tactical structure is designed to empower creative players – Florian Wirtz being the standout example while encouraging wing-backs to push forward.

Real Madrid’s attacking options will heavily influence how Alonso adapts his system, but his blueprint will serve as the starting point.

Squad planning

On his way to Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The report further states that the potential tactical switch under Alonso is already shaping Real Madrid’s transfer plans.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to arrive this summer, fits Alonso’s ideal profile for a wing-back: pace, technical quality, and unpredictability. As such, Los Blancos are also searching for a similar profile on the opposite flank to mirror this role.

On top of that, as has already been reported, a new centre-back, possibly Dean Huijsen, and a new midfielder are also being targeted by the club.

As Real Madrid get set to usher in a new era, Alonso will bring with him a fresh, completely different tactical blueprint as the three-centre-back structure has seen little use Ancelotti.

However, despite having a preferred system, the Spaniard values adaptability and will evolve his setup to suit the strengths of his players.