Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has lavished praise on five key players following his team’s narrow 1-0 victory over Juventus in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday night. The Spanish giants booked their place in the quarter-final with a composed performance, with Gonzalo Garcia emerging as the match-winner.
In a tightly contested fixture, Garcia found the net in the second half to give Real Madrid the edge over the Italian side, ensuring their progress to the last-eight where they will meet German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund in a highly anticipated showdown.
After the final whistle, Alonso took a moment to reflect on the performance and highlighted the importance of collective effort in the team’s success. He specifically singled out five players—Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Dani Ceballos—for their growing influence in the squad.
Alonso’s Post-Match Reaction
Speaking to reporters during the post-match press conference, Alonso expressed his satisfaction with the team’s mentality and work ethic.
“Arda Güler? I’m happy, he’s doing well,” Alonso remarked when asked about the young Turkish midfielder who has continued to earn admiration for his creative displays and work rate. “But it’s not just about one player. One player can’t organise a team.”
Alonso emphasized the importance of unity and squad depth, saying: “We need all of them—Fede [Valverde], Jude [Bellingham], Tchouaméni, Dani [Ceballos]… every single player is important if we want to keep winning.”
The former Spain international, who took over the managerial reins at Real Madrid after an impressive stint at Bayer Leverkusen, has been lauded for bringing fresh energy and tactical flexibility to the side. His balanced approach between youth and experience appears to be paying dividends, especially in high-stakes matches like the one against Juventus.
Arda Güler Shines Again
Arda Güler, still just 19, has been turning heads with his consistent displays in recent weeks. Although he didn’t score in Tuesday’s fixture, his ball control, vision, and movement stood out.
Güler was at the heart of several attacking moves and demonstrated maturity beyond his years. With Alonso putting his trust in the youngster, fans are beginning to see glimpses of a potential future superstar in the making.
“Arda’s creativity is something special,” one Madrid fan said outside the stadium. “You can see he enjoys the game, and the team flows better when he’s involved.”
Jude Bellingham Continues to Lead
Another standout this season has been Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder has been pivotal for Los Blancos in both domestic and international competitions, and his influence in the middle of the park once again proved critical against Juventus.
While Bellingham didn’t score or assist, his ability to dictate tempo, win duels, and break the opponent’s lines was crucial to Madrid’s midfield dominance. Alonso’s mention of him reaffirms the 21-year-old’s importance to the Spanish side’s ambitions this season.
“Jude has a winning mentality,” Alonso added. “He’s always looking for solutions, always pushing the team forward.”
Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Ceballos Step Up
Federico Valverde’s dynamism and versatility were evident throughout the match. Operating as a box-to-box midfielder, Valverde covered vast ground and linked defense with attack seamlessly. Alonso praised his energy and resilience, attributes that have made the Uruguayan indispensable in recent months.
French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni also earned accolades for his defensive awareness and intelligent positioning. His ability to shield the back four and intercept crucial passes helped Madrid maintain their narrow lead.
Dani Ceballos, often rotated into the squad, made the most of his opportunity with a disciplined and effective display. Alonso’s reference to the Spaniard signals growing confidence in his role within the team structure.
A Growing Belief in the Squad
With Madrid’s progression to the quarter-finals now secured, Alonso’s focus shifts to preparing his side for the battle against Borussia Dortmund. The match is expected to be a stern test, given the German club’s impressive form and attacking depth.
Still, Alonso remains optimistic: “We respect Dortmund, they’re a great side. But we believe in our process and the players we have. If we play as a unit, we can go far.”
Real Madrid fans will be buoyed by the manager’s words and the performances of the younger generation. For many supporters, this blend of youthful exuberance and tactical discipline is a refreshing evolution from previous years.
What’s Next?
Real Madrid will lock horns with Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-final later this week. With confidence building and momentum on their side, Alonso’s men will aim to replicate their solid defensive structure while unleashing their creative midfielders to break down Dortmund’s resilient backline.
For now, Tuesday’s win serves as a reminder of Real Madrid’s enduring pedigree on the world stage and the emergence of a new era under Xabi Alonso’s leadership. With players like Güler, Bellingham, Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Ceballos stepping up, Madrid’s future looks as bright as its illustrious past.
