Xabi Alonso Real Madrid Team Tactics With Trent, Dean & Mastantuono 2025/26

Xabi Alonso plans to reshape Real Madrid in 2025/26 with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono.

The winds of change are blowing through the Santiago Bernabéu as Xabi Alonso begins a new era at Real Madrid. With Toni Kroos retiring, Luka Modrić expected to move on, and a wave of young talent incoming, the 2025/26 season promises a tactical revolution under the former midfield maestro.

Let’s break down what this Real Madrid team might look like, particularly focusing on three fascinating players: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono — all of whom will play critical roles in Alonso’s setup.

A Tactical Shift: Identity Over Formation

Before diving into the players, it’s crucial to understand Alonso’s footballing philosophy. Based on his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso prefers a possession-heavy, build-from-the-back system with quick transitions and tactical flexibility. While Real Madrid has traditionally relied on counter-attacks, Alonso wants to imprint an identity rooted in intensity, positional awareness, and technical dominance.

His request in early training? “Play confidently from the back.” That sets the tone for everything.

Dean Huijsen: The Backbone of Alonso’s Defense

At just 20 years old, Dean Huijsen is emerging as a key piece of Madrid’s defensive future. In Alonso’s back four or hybrid back three, Huijsen is likely to partner Antonio Rüdiger once fully fit. Dean’s comfort on the ball and progressive passing make him ideal for Alonso’s build-up play. Whether it’s breaking lines or carrying the ball into midfield, his profile mirrors the kind of intelligent defender Alonso trusts.

Expect Huijsen to start on the right side of a back two, with the license to step into midfield during phases of play. This allows Madrid to switch fluidly between 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, or even a back three during transitions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: From Fullback to Hybrid Playmaker

The blockbuster summer signing, Trent Alexander-Arnold, will wear white this season. But don’t expect him to be a traditional right-back. Alonso may deploy him in an inverted role, similar to what he occasionally did at Liverpool — drifting into central midfield zones and dictating play.

Trent’s passing range, vision, and ability to create from deep are tailor-made for Alonso’s tactical vision. His combination with Federico Valverde or Jude Bellingham in midfield will be fascinating. Depending on opposition, Alonso may even experiment with a double pivot, allowing Trent to play beside a more defensive midfielder while pushing Bellingham higher up the pitch.

Franco Mastantuono: The Crown Jewel of the Future

Signed from River Plate, Franco Mastantuono might not join the squad until after the Club World Cup, but make no mistake — this is a generational talent.

At just 17, Mastantuono has been dazzling with his stats:

3.86 shots/90 – as a midfielder!
5.33 progressive passes/90
3.94 progressive carries/90
Defensive actions like tackles and blocks well above average for his age.

He can operate both as an attacking midfielder and deeper in the build-up, similar to how Bellingham functions. Alonso might use him as a long-term replacement for Modrić, offering creativity, drive, and energy.

Midfield Puzzle: Valverde, Güler, Nico Paz & Tactical Rotation

Madrid has options — maybe too many. With Nico Paz potentially returning via buy-back and Arda Güler pushing for more minutes, the midfield becomes a crowded area. Paz, though less hyped, brings control and tactical intelligence. Alonso may use him as a rotation piece if he chooses to push Valverde higher or rotate Bellingham.

There’s also speculation around a replacement for Kroos — a profile similar to Xhaka or Exequiel Palacios from Alonso’s Leverkusen side. But if Alonso sees Valverde as a solution in that role, he might skip a new signing altogether.

Real Madrid’s Possible Lineups in 2025/26

Alonso’s tactical setups are fluid, but here are some likely structures:

4-2-3-1: Trent & Camavinga/Tchouaméni as pivots, Bellingham in the 10.
4-3-3: With Güler or Bellingham alongside a single pivot.
4-2-2-2: Bellingham & Mastantuono in midfield behind two narrow forwards.
Back 3 Possibility: If Alaba recovers or Madrid signs another CB, Alonso might experiment here too — with Rodrygo or Vini Jr. in hybrid wing roles.

High-Pressing & Energy: A New Madrid DNA?

What Alonso demands above all: intensity. He’s building a team to press high, recover quickly, and play with purpose. That energy was missing under Ancelotti’s latter days, and Alonso is clearly looking to inject it again — from training ground drills to squad selection.

This Madrid team is younger, faster, and technically gifted — perfectly aligned with Xabi’s identity-first approach.

What’s Next?

Madrid may still look to sign a striker with Joselu-like traits, especially if Ante Budimir or a similar player is available. But the core feels complete — especially with Trent, Dean, and Mastantuono coming in.

Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso is more than just new signings. It’s the beginning of a tactical and cultural reset — blending tradition with innovation.