Move over, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius, and Jude Bellingham: This shocking unsung hero is winning over Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid

When Xabi Alonso took charge of Real Madrid, there was much anticipation about how he would balance a squad filled with global stars and emerging talents. With Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham all commanding massive attention, it was natural to assume that Alonso’s project would be centered around one of them. But surprisingly, the new manager’s clearest tactical message has revolved around another name — a player who isn’t traditionally associated with Real Madrid’s Galactico glamour.

A new tactical vision is emerging, and it revolves around the qualities of a player few expected to be the central figure of Alonso’s new-look Madrid.

According to Marca, Xabi Alonso is “very happy” with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who recently completed his move to the Spanish capital. The Spanish outlet reports that the England international has quickly won over his new manager with both his performances and his attitude.

“He will be very important immediately,” reported Marca, citing sources close to the coaching staff. And there’s evidence to support it: Trent impressed during the FIFA Club World Cup, where he started in every match except the final due to a minor muscle issue. He adapted quickly, delivering the kind of control and technical quality Alonso values highly in his midfield and build-up systems.

But this is about more than just performances — this is about philosophy. Xabi Alonso, who transformed Bayer Leverkusen with a possession-heavy, tactically fluid style, sees Trent as a cornerstone of his vision for Real Madrid.

More than a full-back

Xabi Alonso doesn’t view Trent as just another defender. Instead, he envisions him as a hybrid playmaker, capable of operating in multiple zones — from right-back to inverted midfielder to deep-lying regista.

In fact, this idea isn’t new to Trent. At Liverpool, he had already been playing in a more central, quarterback-style role toward the end of his time there. But under Alonso, it seems this tactical evolution is being fully embraced — and even accelerated.

“Trent brings much more than width or crosses,” one source told Marca. “He gives structure, vision, and tempo — exactly what Xabi wants from his deep creators.”

That role makes him unique in this Real Madrid squad. While Mbappe brings goals, Vinicius brings flair, and Bellingham offers vertical power, Trent offers rhythm. He dictates the pace, organizes the transitions, and balances the chaos — the kind of player Xabi Alonso himself once was.

What about the stars?

While Trent’s emergence as a key player may seem surprising, it doesn’t mean the spotlight has shifted away from Bellingham, Mbappe, or Vinicius. But their roles — especially Vinicius’ — are under increasing scrutiny.

Reports have emerged that Vinicius has yet to fully convince Alonso of his tactical discipline, especially in a more rigid 3-5-2 formation. Marca and ESPN suggest that the Brazilian star is now under pressure to adapt, particularly if he wants to maintain his place alongside the Frenchman.

The Brazilian winger is also entangled in tense contract negotiations, with Marca revealing that he is demanding a salary higher than Mbappe’s reported $17 million base. This wage request, plus reported off-field distractions, has reportedly frustrated the club hierarchy.

In contrast, Trent has arrived without noise, quickly adjusted to the tactical expectations, and become an immediate favorite of the manager.