Real Madrid is gearing up for an intriguing 2025/26 season under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, who is not only reshaping the squad but also revolutionizing tactics to build a more resilient and dynamic team. Central to these changes are the developments in the left-back department and the club’s strategic defensive adjustments, alongside the spotlight on Kylian Mbappe’s evolving role as Real Madrid’s new number 10.
One of the standout stories this summer is the arrival of Alvaro Carreras, Real Madrid’s second-costliest defensive signing in history. His acquisition has injected fresh optimism into the left-back position, a role historically significant for the club with legends like Marcelo. Carreras is seen by Alonso and his coaching staff as a player with immense potential to become the next marquee full-back. The club’s faith in him is clear, as they anticipate he will be a regular starter and a key figure in the squad moving forward.
However, Carreras’s arrival has intensified competition on the left flank, particularly for Ferland Mendy and Fran García. Despite the buzz around Carreras, the coaching staff currently ranks Mendy as the most reliable defender in that position. Marca reports that Carreras is considered more attack-minded but still needs to improve defensively to mount a consistent challenge for the starting spot. Meanwhile, García, who impressed during the FIFA Club World Cup, is viewed as a strong contender but currently sits third in the pecking order behind Mendy and Carreras.
Ferland Mendy, whose fitness was a persistent concern last season, remains confident about reclaiming his place. His camp insists he is the superior option compared to García and is ready to compete fiercely with Carreras. Despite Real Madrid’s apparent openness to selling one of their left-backs this summer, Mendy has shown no interest in leaving the club. Last season, Mendy’s contributions were limited by injuries, with only 12 La Liga starts and a single goal contribution. Nevertheless, he averaged over four defensive actions per game and helped the team keep three clean sheets, underscoring his defensive value when fit.
Adding another layer to the evolving Real Madrid narrative is the tactical innovation being implemented by Xabi Alonso. The former midfielder is considering a shift to a three-center-back defensive system for the upcoming campaign. This tactical tweak involves repositioning two full-backs, Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Carreras, to act as lateral center-backs. This adjustment aims to leverage their defensive solidity to strengthen the core of the defense while limiting their offensive duties.
Alonso’s plan is to use Carvajal and Carreras in this redefined role to fortify the backline, making it harder for opposing wingers to penetrate. This move also opens up wing-back roles for other players, with Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to take the right wing-back position, and Fran García likely to fill the left wing-back role after his strong Club World Cup showing. This tactical flexibility reflects Alonso’s adaptive approach, tailoring formations and player roles to exploit strengths and counter opponents effectively.
Meanwhile, off the defensive line, Kylian Mbappe has officially embraced a new chapter at Real Madrid by becoming the club’s number 10 for the upcoming season. The French superstar confirmed the change on social media earlier this week, signaling a shift from his previous number 9 shirt. Real Madrid quietly updated their official website and released new player visuals to cement Mbappe’s status as the new bearer of the iconic No. 10 jersey.
The No. 10 shirt carries a rich legacy at Real Madrid, having been worn by creative and visionary players like Luka Modric, Mesut Ozil, and Clarence Seedorf. Mbappe’s assumption of this number reflects his evolving role in the team—from a pure goal scorer to a more central figure in orchestrating play and leading the squad’s attacking efforts. Since joining the club last summer, Mbappe has dazzled fans and pundits alike, and this number change underscores his importance in Xabi Alonso’s vision for the team’s future.
As the season approaches, the competition within Real Madrid’s squad is heating up. The battle for the left-back spot between Carreras, Mendy, and García promises to be fierce, with all three players bringing different strengths and ambitions. Carreras’s signing has raised expectations but also put pressure on the incumbents, while Mendy’s determination to reclaim his place adds a compelling subplot. García’s emergence as a reliable wing-back option further complicates the pecking order, especially with Alonso’s tactical shift to a three-center-back system that redefines traditional full-back roles.
Alonso’s tactical ingenuity, combined with the squad’s evolving dynamics, suggests that Real Madrid is preparing for a season of both challenges and opportunities. The defensive reshuffle aims to bring greater solidity and adaptability, while Mbappe’s new leadership role signals a fresh attacking impetus. Fans can expect a team that is tactically versatile, highly competitive, and brimming with talent ready to make their mark across all competitions.
In the end, Real Madrid’s 2025/26 campaign is shaping up to be a fascinating chapter in the club’s storied history. With new signings, tactical innovations, and star players stepping into pivotal roles, the squad is poised to navigate the demands of elite European football with ambition and resilience. The left-back battle, the defensive restructuring, and Mbappe’s rise as the new number 10 are all storylines to watch as the action unfolds on the pitch.
