“HE WILL PLAY IN THIS POSITION… – XABI ALONSO PUTS BRAHIM DÍAZ AT THE HEART OF THE REAL MADRID PROJECT”

Real Madrid has officially entered a new era under the leadership of Xabi Alonso. With the former midfield maestro now installed as head coach, fans at the Santiago Bernabéu are buzzing with renewed hope and excitement. After years of consistent but increasingly predictable management under Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso’s arrival signals a sharp tactical evolution—and at the center of his plans lies a surprising but worthy figure: Brahim Díaz.

The early training sessions under Alonso have been intense. The Spaniard has brought not only tactical nuance but also unmatched energy and passion. Players are reportedly enjoying the refreshing atmosphere, while fans sense the winds of change blowing through Madrid. The consensus is clear: the shift was overdue. Ancelotti’s methods, while successful in the past, were no longer driving the team forward.

Xabi Alonso, known for his sharp football IQ and elegant style during his playing days, is already implementing bold changes. His initial focus has been on revamping the defense, identifying key areas that need immediate reinforcement. Promising names such as Dean Huijsen, Joshua Kimmich replacement Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Álvaro Carreras (expected to be finalized soon) are being introduced as key additions.

But defense is only one part of Alonso’s grand plan.

In attack, the right wing has presented questions that need answering. Rodrygo has been the go-to name for several seasons, but inconsistency and rumors of transfer interest have clouded his status. However, Alonso’s presence seems to have calmed those waters. Rodrygo is now likely to stay—and he’s not the only one.

Brahim Díaz, often overlooked in recent years, has suddenly found himself in a privileged position. Alonso views him as an essential cog in the future of Real Madrid. While many expected the club to pursue a major signing for the right flank, the coach had other ideas. Instead of looking outside, he turned inward—and found a solution in Brahim.

Sources close to the club reveal that Alonso sees Brahim as tactically unique. His close control, vertical dribbling, and versatility to play as a right winger, central attacking midfielder, or even false nine give Real Madrid a tactical flexibility they’ve lacked in recent seasons. Alonso reportedly told the club: “He will play in this position. This is his moment.”

This confidence from the coach had an immediate ripple effect.

One of the most notable casualties of this decision was Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rayan Cherki. The young Lyon starlet had long been linked with Los Blancos and was seen as one of the brightest dribblers in Ligue 1. Cherki himself made no secret of his admiration for Madrid or his dream to follow in Karim Benzema’s footsteps. Yet, Alonso closed the door.

In a bold and definitive move, Alonso vetoed the signing. His reasoning? With Brahim Díaz and Rodrygo already offering depth and creativity on the right flank, adding another similar profile would not only be redundant but also risk stalling the progress of both current stars.

With Madrid stepping back, Manchester City swooped in. Pep Guardiola’s team wasted no time in securing Cherki’s services, signing the Frenchman for a reported €35 million, plus bonuses—a sum considered a bargain by many in the footballing world. Cherki signed a five-year deal with the Cityzens and will be part of their squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

Back in Madrid, the message was clear: Alonso’s Real Madrid will be built on trust in talent already within the squad. The era of extravagant spending for the sake of marquee names might be over. The focus now is on tactical balance, team chemistry, and strategic development—and Brahim Díaz is central to that plan.

For Brahim, this is a pivotal moment in his career. After several seasons of being loaned out, fighting for minutes, and proving himself in difficult conditions, he is finally being recognized for what he brings to the table. Alonso’s faith could elevate him to a new level entirely, especially with the added responsibility of starting regularly.

It’s also a statement about how the new manager views the club’s future. Alonso isn’t here to simply maintain the legacy—he’s here to shape it. By giving players like Brahim a central role, he is laying the groundwork for a system that prioritizes merit, functionality, and tactical diversity over flash and hype.

Critics might argue that rejecting someone of Cherki’s talent is a risk, but Alonso is betting on chemistry over celebrity. He believes that a player like Brahim, who understands the club, speaks the language of Madridismo, and is hungry to prove himself, is more valuable than any newcomer needing adaptation.

Fans too are slowly warming to the idea. While some still grumble about what could have been with Cherki, many are excited by the prospect of Brahim getting the platform he deserves. Social media has exploded with fans calling this a “revenge season” for the Spanish-Moroccan playmaker.

With pre-season fast approaching, all eyes will be on how Alonso utilizes Brahim in the friendly matches. Will he be deployed as a traditional winger, or will Alonso unlock something even more ambitious by using him in a free central role? That remains to be seen—but what’s certain is this: Brahim Díaz is no longer a squad player. He is now a key pillar of the Real Madrid project.

As the club moves into this brave new chapter, powered by Alonso’s vision, expect bold calls, renewed passion, and surprising heroes. And if everything goes to plan, don’t be shocked if Brahim Díaz becomes one of the standout figures of the 2025/26 season—proving that sometimes, the best solution is already in your backyard.