With **Carlo Ancelotti** set to step down and **Xabi Alonso** confirmed to take over, a new era at **Real Madrid** is imminent. Alonso, fresh off a stunning campaign with Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to bring his signature **3-5-2 formation** to the Bernabéu — a system that maximized width, control, and vertical threat at Leverkusen.
Let’s explore how Alonso could potentially construct an **unstoppable 3-5-2** featuring new and existing players — most notably **Trent Alexander-Arnold**, **Dani Carvajal**, and **Dean Huijsen**.
### **Back Three: Balance, Youth, and Versatility**
* **Dean Huijsen** (CB) – The towering, ball-playing defender is on the verge of a Real Madrid switch. His composure and vertical passing would be essential as the central anchor.
* **Antonio Rüdiger** or **Eder Militão** (RCB) – Rüdiger’s aggression and Militão’s athleticism complement Huijsen perfectly. Both are adept at defending wide spaces, crucial in a back three.
* **Dani Carvajal** (LCB) – While traditionally a full-back, Carvajal has experience playing as a right-sided center-back under Ancelotti. His intelligence and discipline make him suitable for this hybrid role.
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### **Wingbacks: The Engine Room**
* **Trent Alexander-Arnold** (RWB) – Trent’s vision and distribution make him ideal for a wide playmaker role. In this system, he would have the freedom to invert into midfield, much like Frimpong at Leverkusen, offering overlaps or sliding inside to dictate tempo.
* **Álvaro Carreras** or **Ferland Mendy** (LWB) – Carreras, linked from Benfica, would bring dynamism down the left. Mendy remains a solid, defensive-minded alternative.
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### **Midfield Trio: Control and Fluidity**
* **Aurélien Tchouaméni** (DM) – The deepest of the three, shielding the backline and breaking up opposition play.
* **Jude Bellingham** (CM) – A box-to-box force who can surge forward, dominate duels, and provide goal threat.
* **Federico Valverde** (CM) – A tireless runner with a great engine, Valverde adds verticality and ball progression.
*Note:* In some variations, **Toni Kroos** or **Eduardo Camavinga** could slot in to shift the balance toward more control or dynamism.
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### **Front Two: Devastating Duo**
* **Kylian Mbappé** – Expected to arrive, he would thrive in a two-man forward line with the freedom to drift wide or exploit central spaces behind the back line.
* **Vinícius Júnior** – The Brazilian’s pace, dribbling, and flair will terrify defenses. His role could vary from a second striker to a roaming forward.
Together, **Mbappé and Vini** represent perhaps the most explosive front two in world football.
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### **How It Comes Together:**
Alonso’s 3-5-2 will offer:
* **Width** from Trent and Carreras.
* **Defensive cover** with three center-backs and a deep midfielder.
* **Fluid midfield** movement allowing for rotation and possession control.
* **Direct threat** through Mbappé and Vinícius exploiting space.
The formation would mirror what Alonso implemented at Leverkusen, where **Frimpong and Grimaldo** bombed forward, midfielders rotated intelligently, and the back three handled transitions with discipline.
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### **Projected XI (3-5-2)**
“`
Courtois
Carvajal Huijsen Rüdiger
Trent Valverde Tchouaméni Bellingham Carreras
Mbappé Vinícius
“`
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### **Final Thoughts:**
With Alonso’s tactical brilliance and the integration of technically gifted players like **Trent**, **Carvajal**, and **Huijsen**, Real Madrid could evolve into a modern tactical powerhouse. The 3-5-2 system not only fits the incoming and current talent but also gives Madrid a flexible shape that can morph into a **3-2-5**, **4-4-2 diamond**, or **5-3-2**, depending on the game state.
Alonso’s arrival doesn’t just promise fresh ideas — it could **redefine Real Madrid’s identity** heading into the next footballing era.
