Alonso’s Take on Real Madrid’s Changing Face

It’s not every day that Xabi Alonso gives a candid rundown on the most talked-about names in football, but the buzz around Real Madrid ahead of their RB Salzburg friendly brought out his honest side. Instead of dodging tough questions, Alonso tackled the topics head-on, offering surprising takes on Rodrygo’s evolution, Mbappé’s potential arrival, and the influx of young talent keeping Madrid afloat at the top.

When Alonso talked about Rodrygo, he didn’t cloak his words in niceties. He praised Rodrygo’s knack for rising to big occasions, reminding fans how the Brazilian isn’t afraid of expectation. ‘He’s shown enough nerve in unforgettable Champions League moments,’ Alonso pointed out, dropping hints about Rodrygo’s growing leadership in the dressing room.

The conversation naturally flowed to the ever-present shadow of Kylian Mbappé. Alonso wouldn’t commit to transfer gossip, but he did highlight how a player with Mbappé’s speed and finishing could lift Madrid’s attack. ‘A player like that brings something nobody else does—raw pace combined with clinical finishing,’ he said. But Alonso also suggested that Real’s current squad should not be underestimated, stressing team harmony over individual stardom.

The New Generation and Laporta’s Comments

Asked about Madrid’s budding talent like Jérémy Huijsen and Federico Valverde, Alonso showed genuine optimism. He called Huijsen’s development ‘unmissable for any football fan who likes defenders,’ with the Dutch youngster constantly winning battles in training. As for Valverde, Alonso likes how the Uruguayan’s energy ‘never drops,’ claiming that drive becomes infectious during big games, especially in Europe.

The subject of Jude Bellingham sparked even more positivity. Alonso was visibly impressed by how quickly Bellingham adapted to the Spanish game, saying: ‘You rarely see someone that young lead with such composure. He acts as if the Bernabéu is his backyard.’

Things took a slight turn when Joan Laporta, the Barcelona president, came up. Alonso brushed off any jabs from Laporta, making it clear that Madrid were too focused on their own ambitions to be sidetracked by outside noise.

Before wrapping up, Alonso sent a shot of confidence through the Madrid camp before the RB Salzburg match, saying that the team’s combination of youth and experience should make the match a spectacle. He gave credit to Ancelotti’s approach to squad rotation, hinting that giving young legs more minutes would be key in keeping Madrid competitive this season. For fans watching Madrid’s new faces gel with its established stars, this match against Salzburg is shaping up to be a true litmus test for the season ahead.