Real Madrid shifts midfield strategy after ignoring Alonso’s urgent warning

Abdullateef Fowewe

Real Madrid are reportedly rethinking their midfield setup just six months after head coach Xabi Alonso issued a stark warning during his first executive meeting in May 2025.

Alonso had pushed for a specialist controlling midfielder to dictate the game’s tempo and add structure during possession.

Club officials brushed it off at the time, insisting their squad was stacked with talent including Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, Dani Ceballos, and Federico Valverde.

Now, internal reviews point to a major pivot.

Recent team performances and shifting tactical needs have swayed decision-makers, validating Alonso’s early concerns about lacking a true orchestrator in the engine room.

Photos from the May meeting and recent training sessions highlight the growing midfield debate, with insiders hinting at potential January transfer targets to fill the gap.