Xabi Alonso's new era at Real Madrid has officially begun with many problems, when Kylian Mbappe is almost unable to play and lacks a quality left-back.

In that context, the American media asked many questions to Alonso related to Vinicius Junior - who has his own business empire here.

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Mbappe is expected to be on the bench in Alonso's debut. Photo: RMCF

“Vinicius was great , ” Alonso smiled . “ In 10 seconds, I understood Vini’s personality and way of communicating . He is very passionate and emotional . ”

Alonso is committed to Vinicius and Real Madrid: “ You have to be with him. I like players like that. Vini has a big heart . We will find a way to use him better in the coming days . ”

Rodrygo is likely to replace Mbappe in attack with Vinicius in the opening match of Group H of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup , in a 4-4-2 formation.

With this setup, Alonso wants to use Arda Guler on the right wing. Jude Bellingham will stick to the left wing, a position he is familiar with during his two seasons working with Carlo Ancelotti.

Given the current personnel situation, the central midfield pair that Alonso has been testing in training is Tchouameni and Valverde. Both are more industrious than creative.

Alonso wanted to build solidity in the middle of the pitch with the sweeping ability of Tchouameni – Valverde. From there, Guler and Bellingham moved into the middle to promote creativity, as well as dribbling ability.

Real Madrid could then become 4-2-2-2 with high intensity central attacks.

Like at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso always asks his full-backs to push forward. Here, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia.

In many cases, when the full-backs play as attacking midfielders, Real Madrid operate in a 2-4-4 style. That can only be the style of Alonso, with many last-minute goals at Leverkusen.

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Al Hilal also opened a new phase with Inzaghi. Photo: Al Hilal

On the other side, Al Hilal also attracted attention with the debut of Simone Inzaghi - the coach who just lost the second consecutive final he participated in.

“The Italian genius is here. Welcome Simone Inzaghi,” was Al Hilal’s message, after making him the highest-paid coach in the world – €25 million per season.

Last season, in the Champions League group stage, Alonso beat Inzaghi with the only goal in the 90th minute. Now, both are in different positions.

Al Hilal failed to deliver on their promise to sign Victor Osimhen for Inzaghi – the Nigerian refused to move to Saudi Arabia. However, the current squad under the former Inter coach is still of sufficient quality to surprise Real Madrid.

Force:

Real Madrid: Camavinga, Mendy, Rudiger, Alaba, Militao, Endrick, Carvajal are injured.

Al Hilal: Joao Cancelo, Al Yami, Moteb Al Harbi are injured.

Expected lineup:

Real Madrid (4-4-2): Courtois; Trent, Asencio, Huijsen, Fran Garc i a; Gu ler, Tchouameni, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo , Vinicius.

Al Hilal (3-5-2): Bono; Tambakti, Koulibaly, Al-Bulayhi; Cancelo, Kanno, Neves, Milinkovic-Savic, Al-Dawsari; Malcom, Mitrovic.

Match odds: Real Madrid handicap 1 1/2

Goal Odds: 3 1/4

Prediction: Real Madrid win 3-1 .

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-real-madrid-vs-al-hilal-fifa-club-world-cup-2412533.html