Three Real Madrid players expected to benefit from Xabi Alonso’s departure

After a 2-3 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid decided to part ways with Alonso. He had taken charge in June, starting his tenure at the 2025 Club World Cup, but Madrid were eliminated in the semi-finals after a heavy 0-4 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

The team initially enjoyed a strong start to the season, but performances declined sharply after a humiliating 2-5 defeat to Atlético Madrid in November. By January, just seven months into his contract, Alonso’s time at the Santiago Bernabéu came to an end.

However, his exit could prove beneficial for several players. According to The Athletic, Vinícius Júnior, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham all struggled to adapt to Alonso’s tactical demands and coaching style. All three saw a noticeable dip in form following the Spaniard’s arrival.

Among them, Vinícius Júnior was the most affected. His numbers dropped significantly, enduring a run of more than 20 matches without a goal. Alonso often instructed him to stay wide, focus on dribbling and chance creation, and reduce his tendency to cut inside to score.

The relationship between Alonso and Vinícius reportedly deteriorated as early as October 2025, during El Clásico against Barcelona. The Brazilian winger was substituted, reacted angrily, and refused to shake the coach’s hand. The club took no disciplinary action, but the tension lingered.

Bellingham and Valverde faced different issues. Both remained among Madrid’s most influential players, yet were frequently deployed out of position. Bellingham was used across multiple midfield roles, preventing him from settling into a consistent rhythm. Valverde, meanwhile, was repeatedly asked to cover at right-back due to injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and the ageing Dani Carvajal.

Under interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid are expected to return to a more traditional 4-3-3 system, a setup that could suit this trio far better. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but there is cautious optimism around the dressing room.

Real Madrid’s next match is scheduled for 15 January, when they face Albacete in the Copa del Rey.