Xabi Alonso Chooses Between Tchouaméni and Camavinga: Real Madrid Has Its New Number 6
With the season reaching its final stretch, Real Madrid is already looking ahead, even as they continue fighting for LaLiga. All signs point to Xabi Alonso becoming the new head coach. His appointment will be made official after the final league match, allowing him to lead the team at the upcoming Club World Cup—his first major challenge as Real Madrid manager.
As he plans for his debut season, Xabi Alonso has made a key decision: choosing between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga for the pivotal role in midfield. The Basque coach has opted to make Tchouaméni his first-choice defensive midfielder, the undisputed starter in the number 6 role. Meanwhile, Camavinga will serve a dual role: as a left wing-back and as midfield cover for Tchouaméni.
This marks the first tactical decision by Xabi Alonso for his new-look Real Madrid. It also signals the end of experiments that placed Tchouaméni as a central defender—unless there’s an emergency. The French midfielder is currently in his best form since joining the club, and Xabi wants to capitalize on that by giving him greater responsibility.
As for Camavinga, Alonso sees tremendous potential. He is a huge admirer of the Frenchman and wants to bring out his best. Injuries this season have limited Camavinga’s impact, and we’ve seen a watered-down version of the player who once excited Madrid fans with his energy and dynamism. Xabi’s plan is to help him rediscover that peak form.
These are Xabi Alonso’s first moves on the Madrid bench. Both Tchouaméni and Camavinga are expected to play central roles in his system. Time will tell if Alonso, as he did with Bayer Leverkusen, can maximize the talents within his squad. What’s certain is that tactical and preparational changes are coming, with the goal of unlocking every ounce of potential from the team.
Key Points
- Xabi Alonso wants Tchouaméni and Camavinga to be key figures in next season’s project.
- Tchouaméni will become the fixed starter in the holding midfield role.
- Camavinga will rotate between midfield and the left side of defense.
- Xabi has already started planning behind the scenes, even if his signing hasn’t been officially announced yet.
- Big changes are expected this summer at Valdebebas as the club prepares for a fresh start under Alonso’s leadership.
