“HE’S CLOSER THAN BRAHIM… BUT IT’S NOT THE ONE I WANT! – XABI ALONSO GIVES BRAHIM A GOLDEN CHANCE”

Real Madrid’s new era under Xabi Alonso has officially begun. The former midfield maestro, now in charge at the Bernabéu, has wasted no time laying the groundwork for what many hope will be a successful chapter in the club’s storied history. With the first training sessions already underway, Alonso has brought a refreshing sense of energy, clarity, and tactical innovation. Fans and pundits alike have welcomed the change after Ancelotti’s conservative approach began to show diminishing returns.

Alonso’s methods have already begun to make waves in the dressing room. Players report a noticeable shift in intensity and a renewed focus on discipline and purpose. It’s a shift that signals not just a new coach, but a new footballing identity—one that leans heavily on pressing, dynamic movement, and clever positional play.

Although Alonso’s tactical blueprint is still being fully developed, his early priorities have been crystal clear—fix the defense, solidify the spine, and reassess areas where Madrid have been exposed. Reinforcements like Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and possibly Álvaro Carreras are part of the new foundation being laid at the back. But the transformation doesn’t end there.

The forward line, particularly the right wing, has also become an area of evaluation. Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz are the two main contenders for that position, but the situation is more complex than it seems. While doubts lingered over Rodrygo’s future, Alonso’s appointment appears to have stabilized things. The Brazilian now looks set to stay in Madrid, convinced by the coach’s vision and ready to adapt to his demands.

But it’s Brahim Díaz who has arguably been handed the most surprising lifeline. Despite whispers that the club was looking for external solutions to strengthen that area of the pitch, Xabi Alonso has thrown his full support behind the Spanish-Moroccan playmaker. His technical brilliance, low center of gravity, and creative instincts have made him a standout option in Alonso’s early plans.

In a stunning move, Alonso reportedly vetoed the signing of Ligue 1’s most skillful dribbler—Rayan Cherki. The young French-Algerian starlet from Lyon had long been linked with a move to the Spanish capital. Cherki, who idolizes former Madrid great Karim Benzema, had dreamt of donning the famous white shirt. Real Madrid’s hierarchy, including president Florentino Pérez and chief scout Juni Calafat, had monitored Cherki’s progress closely.

But despite the club’s admiration, Alonso made a clear decision: he preferred to give Brahim Díaz the opportunity instead. For him, Brahim offers a unique profile—different from Rodrygo and more in line with the tactical variety he desires. Cherki may be flashier in one-on-one situations, but Brahim brings more balance, experience, and tactical versatility, which Alonso values highly.

The fallout from Alonso’s decision was swift. Real Madrid dropped their pursuit of Cherki, and Manchester City swooped in. Pep Guardiola’s side sealed the signing for €35 million plus bonuses—a deal widely considered a bargain given Cherki’s raw potential and dribbling mastery. City are now rushing to finalize the paperwork in time for the Club World Cup, where Cherki could be a surprise inclusion.

While Madrid fans were divided over losing out on such a prodigious talent, Xabi Alonso remained firm. He believes that investing trust in Brahim—someone already integrated into the club and acclimated to the pressure—makes more sense than gambling on another raw gem. In Alonso’s view, continuity and familiarity outweigh potential when there’s already a capable player in place.

Cherki’s transfer to City closed the door on what could’ve been another star-studded Madrid acquisition. But for Brahim, it opened a golden door. He is now expected to feature heavily in the coming season. Alonso is said to be preparing a system that suits Brahim’s strengths—granting him freedom in tighter pockets, allowing him to play between the lines, and even potentially using him in a dual 10 role behind the striker.

This unexpected vote of confidence is a defining moment for Brahim’s Madrid career. After multiple loan spells and sporadic appearances, the 2025/26 season could be his breakthrough. Under a coach like Alonso, who values intelligence, pressing, and close control, Brahim might finally be in the right place at the right time.

Meanwhile, Rodrygo will not have it easy either. With the coach keen on positional rotation and form-based selections, both players will have to battle week in, week out. But the message is clear—Xabi Alonso wants Brahim to stay, thrive, and deliver.

The decision not to bring in Rayan Cherki has wider implications. It suggests Alonso is not here to simply collect talent—he’s here to build a team. A unit with chemistry, purpose, and clear roles. That means favoring those already embedded in the system rather than disrupting it with flair signings.

For Real Madrid, this could be the start of a more grounded approach to squad building. With Kylian Mbappé and Endrick already on board, Alonso is looking for function over fame in other areas. And in Brahim Díaz, he sees a tool he can mold—not just a luxury piece.

As for Cherki, his Premier League journey begins. But there will always be a lingering question—what could have been if Alonso had said “yes”?

Only time will tell whether Alonso made the right call. But one thing is certain: Brahim Díaz just received the opportunity of a lifetime.

And in the pressure cooker that is Real Madrid, these moments don’t come twice.