Since Real Madrid is already juggling its lineup due to injury concerns, Alonso is offering a pragmatic approach to the situation. Last season, Alonso showcased the benefit to fielding a flexible Bayer Leverkusen squad, and he’s likely to implement a similar philosophy now that he’s coaching in La Liga.

A member of the summer recruitment drive at La Liga giants Real Madrid could be in line for his first-ever start in the club’s colours on Sunday.The player in question? Franco Mastantuono.Youngster

Xabi Alonso has praised the impact of Real Madrid 's latest arrival Franco Mastantuono ahead of the team's first away game of the season, at Real Oviedo on Sunday. Mastantuono, 18, played 22 minutes as a substitute in Madrid's LaLiga debut on Tuesday as they beat Osasuna 1-0, impressing the Santiago Bernabéu crowd.