Xabi Alonso has returned to Real Madrid — not as a midfield metronome, but as the architect of a new era. His first months in charge have been a crash course in identity-building: tactical tweaks, shape-shifting systems, injury improvisation, and an evolving pressing philosophy.

In this episode, we break down:

- How Alonso is reshaping Real Madrid tactically

- What his Club World Cup run revealed

- Why flexibility is at the heart of “Xabi Ball”

- Early winners in the squad (Garcia, Güler, Hoeneß)

- Realistic expectations for Year One

- Whether this Madrid has the tools to dominate Europe again

Alonso’s Madrid is not just playing football, they are building a system. The question is whether this system can survive the pressure, the fixture list, and the Champions League.

Do you believe Alonso is the right man for this era? Comment below.

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Appreciations for this Episode:

Host: Andy Terku

Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey

Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo

Timestamps:

00:00 : The King’s Return & Early Experiments

04:45 : La Liga Form, Flexibility & Player Evolution

06:51 : Challenges, Expectations & The Alonso Era Ahead