First High Stakes Game For El Jeffe
The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Kung_Fu_Zizou
Real Madrid take on Juventus in a bid to book a Quarter-final place at the Club World Cup.
This will be the first High Stakes game for Xabi as Real Madrid manager. Real Madrid have been a more structured team in their first 3 games. Los Blanco played with 3 at the back as they looked to control the match against Salzburg in a game of two halves. The first half was calm and composed while the second half had a team that looked rushed with individuals trying to do too much.
️ Xabi Alonso: “Tomorrow we’re playing against a European football giant. It’s going to require a lot from us in terms of football, mentality, and concentration. We’re ready.” pic.twitter.com/a91ObZT3sM
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 30, 2025
There’s been a lot of excitement about the back 3 as people merely want to see something different. Some want to see Real Madrid play like Leverkusen. Ultimately Xabi will go with what he knows.
Versatility. Gift and Curse
Trent arrived as a solution at right back, allowing Fede to return to midfield. Xabi has hinted his desire to use both Trent and Fede in various roles for their versatility. However, it is clear that he’s learning about his players quickly as shown in his realisation that Fede is not a player who thrives when playing with his back to goal
️ Xabi Alonso: “Fede Valverde can play in many positions. His greatest strength isn’t receiving with his back to goal & turning. I think his ability lies in accelerating & getting close to the box.” pic.twitter.com/r2gxWClgd1
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 30, 2025
Valverde is a versatile player whose strength is in his ability to go box to box with high intensity. His football IQ makes him adaptable to different roles but a master of none. Every manager since Zidane has seen Fede a way to balance out the XI and plug holes.
Vinicius and Kylian Off the Ball
Xabi has continued to repeat that all players must work collectively on and off the ball. Insisting that the two star forwards will work for the team. Pressing well requires time. It also requires the right players
“What will you ask from Mbappé? In terms of attack, defense and acts of leadership?”
Xabi Alonso: “Mbappé is a leader because of his impact & his influence, and we all need to be committed to the collective idea.
We need to enjoy what we do, with or without the ball. The… pic.twitter.com/uTo2qyZ1bg
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 30, 2025
The Real Madrid squad is not short of supremely gifted athletes. It will just take time to get rid of old habits like ball-watching and uncoordinated pressing.
Xabi Alonso: “Exploiting Vini and Mbappé? Our idea is to exploit all players. To have a strong collective team. To know what to do on and off the ball. Once we have that, individual quality will flow easily.” pic.twitter.com/Hz4ucJbv25
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 30, 2025
Gonzalo Garcia and Vinicius Junior struck an unlikely partnership in the tournament so far. Kylian Mbappé’s absence afforded the youngster a chance to start all 3 group stage matches. Gonzalo has 2 goals and one assist in his 3 matches however, it is intelligent off the ball movement and tireless pressing that has been most impressive. He looks a complete player with his combination play and aerial ability.
Xabi Alonso: “Rodrygo is going to be important for us. In these kinds of tournaments, the starters are just as decisive as the ones who come off the bench. I think he’s doing well, he’s training well. Whether he plays is my decision.” pic.twitter.com/mjHKbX1rk6
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 30, 2025
Now that Kylian has returned, likely in place of Gonzalo and Xabi seems intent on playing two forwards in his XI it means Rodrygo is likely to be left out of the lineup once again.
Davide Sets the Record Straight
“You were criticised because you didn’t use academy players…”
Davide Ancelotti: “Yes, because there are many good players in the 1st team who the club invested a lot of money in. It’s difficult for an academy player. The youngsters sometimes need 10-15 games to show their… pic.twitter.com/txA9u6ubhI
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 30, 2025
Ancelotti was often criticised for his lack of trust in young players. What is more strange is Carlo after being very successful with two doubles in 3 seasons was still so conservative he’d rather lose players to fatigue and injury as opposed to trusting young players.
The Daily Poll
Poll 1
Poll2
Poll 3
