Club World Cup: Real Madrid boss hails new signings as “very important for the future” after hard-fought opener
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has applauded the performances of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold following their official debuts for the Spanish giants in a tightly contested 1–1 draw against Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday.
The two players, who recently joined the Los Blancos during the summer transfer window, featured prominently in the clash, and Alonso took a moment after the game to recognize their impact and potential role in shaping the club’s future.
“I want to congratulate Dean and Trent for their debut,” Alonso said during his post-match interview. “This is a special day for them, and they’ll be very important for us.”
The match, played under sweltering conditions, saw both teams sharing the spoils after a fiercely competitive encounter. Despite Real Madrid’s overwhelming possession and attacking dominance, Al Hilal proved resilient, denying the Spanish side all three points in their tournament opener.
Promising Debuts Under Pressure
Dean Huijsen, the 19-year-old central defender who made the switch from Bournemouth, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the former Liverpool star, both started the game and displayed composure under pressure. Their inclusion reflects Alonso’s strategic decision to refresh the squad with youthful energy and proven experience.
For Huijsen, the move to Real Madrid represents a major leap in his career after rising through the ranks at Juventus before being loaned to Bournemouth, where he impressed with his maturity beyond his years. Wednesday’s match was his first appearance in a Real Madrid shirt, and the Dutch-born Spanish defender looked assured in his role, keeping Al Hilal’s attackers largely at bay for most of the match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted right-backs in world football, completed a surprise switch to Madrid from Liverpool during the summer. Though it was his debut, the England international slotted in seamlessly, delivering sharp crosses and showcasing the tactical intelligence he has long been celebrated for in the Premier League.
“Debuting in a tournament like the Club World Cup is no easy task,” Alonso continued. “But both of them showed why we brought them in. Their attitude, work rate, and willingness to adapt are exactly what Real Madrid is about.”
Weather Conditions Take a Toll
The game was not without its physical challenges. Temperatures soared above 35°C (95°F), making conditions extremely demanding for the players. Xabi Alonso admitted post-match that one of his key players, Raul Asencio, was visibly affected by the heat and had to be withdrawn prematurely.
“Raul really struggled with the heat, that is why he was subbed off,” Alonso explained. “These are not the easiest conditions, but the team gave their all.”
Despite the heat and the stiff opposition, Real Madrid controlled much of the match, with several attempts on goal that were expertly denied by Al Hilal’s goalkeeper, Abdullah Al-Mayouf. The Spanish side eventually took the lead through a Vinícius Júnior strike in the 52nd minute, only for Al Hilal to level the score with a thunderous long-range effort from Salem Al-Dawsari in the 77th minute.
Road to Redemption: Next Match Against Pachuca
Real Madrid now turns its focus to their next Club World Cup fixture, a must-win game against Mexican champions Pachuca on Sunday. A victory will be vital for Alonso’s side if they are to keep their title hopes alive and progress further in the competition.
“We’ll take the positives from today and work hard to improve,” Alonso stated. “There’s still everything to play for.”
Sunday’s match promises to be another test of resilience and tactical discipline for Los Blancos. Pachuca, known for their high-pressing style and dynamic attack, pose a unique challenge, and Alonso will be hoping his team, particularly the new additions, continue to gel quickly on the pitch.
Real Madrid’s Vision for the Future
Alonso’s confidence in Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold reflects a broader trend at the club: a shift toward integrating young talent with elite-level experience to create a more balanced, long-term squad. Both players represent a new chapter in Madrid’s defensive evolution.
For fans and pundits alike, the debuts of Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold signal not just fresh legs on the pitch, but also the dawn of a promising new era under Xabi Alonso’s leadership.
“It’s not just about the result today,” Alonso concluded. “It’s about building a team that can win consistently and represent the values of this club. And with players like Dean and Trent, I believe we are heading in the right direction.”
As the Club World Cup continues, all eyes will be on Real Madrid to see whether these promising signs translate into silverware—and whether the new signings will rise to the occasion again.
