Asencio and Rodrygo, Xabi Alonso's two biggest doubts in his first real test

The moment of truth has arrived for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup . The Whites will face Juventus in the round of 16 of the tournament, in the first major test of the Xabi Alonso era . After a shaky debut against Al-Hilal (1-1) , the Madrid team was able to right the ship with two good wins against Pachuca (3-1) and Salzburg (3-0) , to advance to the round of 16 as group winners. And there awaits the Old Lady .

Until now, by history, tradition, and name, Real Madrid was superior on paper to the three teams it had faced . However, against Juventus, the situation changes dramatically. Although the Italian team is not going through its best moment, it is a historic team in world football and a team full of good players , capable of putting any opponent in danger. And, therefore, this is the first big match for the new Madrid .

In the first three matches, Xabi Alonso has been analyzing different players, systems, and styles of play , with the aim of clarifying his ideas about how this squad operates at certain moments in matches. But now, there's no room for testing: it's the moment of truth, the one in which the big teams take a step forward in their pursuit of titles . Madrid is comfortable in this area, but the time has come to prove it.

So far, the Tolosa-born coach has used 19 different players in the 270 minutes played in the United States. He seems to have a clear idea of ​​the backbone of his team , as a look at his starting lineups shows they've all been similar, with slight modifications. To date, the most significant change has been the inclusion of Arda Güler in the midfield , where it has been realized that the Turk is a fundamental player for the team.

And for the Turk to fit in, another player has to leave the team. His name is Rodrygo , the very one who seems to have lost that spot in the starting lineup . The paths of both have been diametrically opposed: the Brazilian started as a starter and has gradually lost ground in the team, while the Ottoman started on the bench and has earned his place with good performances. And now, to find a spot in the starting 11 , another part of the pitch would have to be reworked .

Vinícius and Gonzalo —in the absence of Mbappé —have their spots secured, so to accommodate Rodrygo in the starting eleven, another piece would have to be moved, which would be either Valverde or Bellingham . And it doesn't look like that's going to happen. The Brazilian is at a low point in confidence, performance, and contribution. That doesn't mean he won't get playing time or be important, but right now, he's a player who will gradually become part of the team, but with the bench as his natural habitat .

Xabi Alonso's other big doubt is in defense. Raúl Asencio ended up being a key player last season , more than fulfilling his role despite the team's numerous defensive absences. But he hasn't had the best start to the Club World Cup, where he only played 52 minutes. In the first match, he played the entire first half, earning a ridiculous penalty ; in the second, he was sent off after seven minutes for a foul while being the last player in the squad.

And both performances have coincided with the good work of Aurélien Tchouaméni , who has fitted in very well both in midfield and at the center of defense, as well as the return of Antonio Rüdiger , who has offered moments of security in the defense after recovering from his knee operation. These are the two big doubts for a Xabi Alonso who is showing that he doesn't marry anyone to reward work and effort . And the players know it.

Madrid has clearly improved its game, so the match against Juventus will be one of the best test cases for the Tolosa native . A tough opponent, historic and full of football, where a place in the Club World Cup quarterfinals is on the cards. The moment of truth has arrived for Real Madrid, and Xabi Alonso has two major doubts ... which the players themselves will have to resolve on the pitch.