Xabi Alonso’s new rule at Real Madrid sparks unexpected changes in the dressing room and directly impacts the mentality of the club’s top stars.
Xabi Alonso has taken control of Real Madrid’s dressing room
Xabi Alonso has quickly asserted his authority inside the Real Madrid locker room. If the team is starting to show a clearer identity—especially without the ball—then the rotations he introduced against Oviedo sent a strong message: there are no safe zones for the players in white, and the principle of selection based on merit has returned to Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti previously maintained a strict hierarchy within the squad, aligned with the Argentine concept of “derecho de piso”, meaning newcomers had to wait their turn to displace more experienced players.
In the away game against Oviedo, Real Madrid’s starting XI had four changes compared to the opener against Osasuna. Carvajal, Rüdiger, Rodrygo, and Mastantuono started, while Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Vinícius, and Brahim were benched. This marked a drastic shift from the Ancelotti era—when senior players held unwavering authority, with rotation largely forced only by injuries in recent seasons.
Vinícius Jr: More than just a rotation
Vinícius Jr once seemed “untouchable” in the lineup, even during poor form. The Brazilian hadn’t scored an away goal since December 2024 in Bergamo, yet under Ancelotti, his place was never in doubt.
That has completely changed. Xabi Alonso benched him in the Intercontinental Cup semifinal against PSG (he only entered because of an injury to Alexander-Arnold), and once again left him out in the game against Oviedo.
When brought on in the second half, Vinícius immediately responded with an assist and a goal—proof that Alonso’s shock treatment worked. In this new context, Vinícius’ position in contract renewal talks with Real has weakened significantly. After an underwhelming season, he is now just one piece in a rotating puzzle.
At Leverkusen, Xabi naturally used rotation as both a way to rest stars and keep the entire squad engaged. After the Oviedo match, he simply stated: “Vini came on and contributed to two important goals. There will be matches for everyone. In football, you have to understand that.”
Fierce competition, no comfort zones
The new atmosphere drags every player out of their comfort zone, forcing fair competition. With the exception of Courtois in goal and Mbappé in attack, almost every position has alternatives.
Dean Huijsen has quickly emerged as the defensive leader, Carreras has claimed the left-back spot, Tchouaméni anchors midfield, Arda Güler dictates play as the orchestrator, and Valverde powers the engine room. Yet, even these names could be benched for rest or to give others a chance.
Rotation has also revived some players who seemed forgotten. Rodrygo was recently handed another chance, though his future remains uncertain as Real may accept a Premier League offer if the price is right. Some reports even suggest his recent start was linked to potential transfer negotiations.
Those “singled out”: Ceballos, Asensio, Mendy…
At the same time, Alonso’s personnel choices indirectly point the way out for others. Dani Ceballos posted on social media the phrase “The Last Dance”, signaling a farewell. The midfielder wants to return to Betis, but the Andalusian club no longer has space for him—nor the funds to meet Real’s demands.
As a result, a move to Marseille looks most likely, with Ceballos ignoring Premier League interest after his previous stint at Arsenal left him dissatisfied with the physically demanding style of English football.