Antonio Rüdiger’s once-guaranteed role in Real Madrid’s starting lineup has come under serious question following the arrival of new manager Xabi Alonso. According to MARCA, the German international is no longer assured of his usual spot in central defense, as competition within the squad has intensified. The balance of power in the backline has shifted, and Rüdiger, despite his reputation and seniority, now faces the challenge of re-establishing himself in Alonso’s evolving system.
The main reason behind this shift lies in the resurgence of Éder Militão, who has returned from injury in impressive fashion. The Brazilian’s recovery has been a massive boost for Los Blancos, and his sharp performances have quickly caught Alonso’s eye. Alongside him, the emergence of 19-year-old Dean Huijsen has added another dimension to Madrid’s defensive options. The young reinforcement has shown poise, confidence, and tactical maturity, especially in the recent La Liga victory over Osasuna, where his composure stood out.
Adding to the competition is the anticipated full return of David Alaba, who has been working his way back from injury. With four quality center-backs now in contention for two starting spots, Alonso finds himself in the enviable but challenging position of managing both depth and egos. While Rüdiger offers leadership, aggression, and big-game experience, the younger defenders provide traits that align more closely with Alonso’s current tactical philosophy.
Alonso’s system demands not only defensive solidity but also fluidity and adaptability. His preference for a backline capable of shifting quickly between defensive blocks and possession play highlights the need for pace and positional flexibility. Militão’s athleticism and ability to cover ground, paired with Huijsen’s composure under pressure, seem tailor-made for this style. As a result, Rüdiger must now adapt his game and prove that his physical presence and leadership can still be essential assets in Alonso’s setup.
Far from being written off, Rüdiger still holds significant value in terms of experience and mentality, particularly in high-pressure matches where composure and resilience are vital. However, what once seemed like a guaranteed starting role has transformed into a fierce battle for minutes on the pitch. For the first time since arriving at Madrid, the German defender must fight to remind both Alonso and the fans why he was trusted as a pillar of the defense.