Xabi Alonso praises quick impact of Real Madrid’s new signings

Ahead of Real Madrid’s Club World Cup debut, coach Xabi Alonso expressed his satisfaction with the team’s new recruits — particularly the immediate impact shown by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen.

“I’m really happy with how we’ve worked in terms of transfers. Dean and Trent are top, top players. They have an instant impact,” Alonso stated during the press conference.

Madrid will begin their Group H campaign against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami. Alonso also discussed future recruit Franco Mastantuono from River Plate, who is set to join in August.

“He’s a boy with a fantastic present and an incredible future. The maturity he has on the field, he brings off the field too,” Alonso praised Mastantuono.

Regarding his tactical vision, Alonso emphasized the importance of distances between players — both with and without the ball. As for injured players, Antonio Rudiger is expected to return first, while Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao need more recovery time.