Xabi Alonso - You Rocked My World

Jun 19, 2025

∙ Paid

Xabi Alonso showed a new tactical identity at Madrid — that same identity highlights how his potential is otherworldly 💯

The performance may not have been amazing, but the tactical intent was ELITE!

THREAD! 🚨

Xabi Alonso implemented a picture perfect 3-4-3 at Bayer Leverkusen.

Tactically, it was complete.

It elevated the level of the club to the point where they won their first ever Bundesliga title, and they did it unbeaten.

It was reminiscent of Tuchel's Chelsea tactically.

So, when he was appointed by Real Madrid, the question on everyone's mind was 'what system will he play?'

Well, we have our answer, and it's not a back 3.

In fact, it was a back 4 that showed tactical potential that aligns with the elites.

To be honest, I was blown away.

The performance itself may not have been incredible, but we have to factor in crucial contextual factors.

The game was played in Miami in scorching heat with water breaks necessary throughout the game.

The competition will also only pick up competitively in the knockouts.

Because of those factors, Madrid were quite passive as a whole and Al Hilal were arguably the better team on the day.

However, as an analyst, I like to assess tactical intent because that is what determines the likelihood of long-term success.

Alonso's intent was utterly elite.

Now, unlike 99.9% of analysts, I am not going to start this analysis by analysing Real Madrid with the ball.

I say this because defence is everything in this game.

You can have the best offensive idea in the world but it does not matter if you are not compact to win the ball.

EBL