The 5 Real Madrid players who have lost Xabi Alonso's trust

Real Madrid has embarked on a new era under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, and although the Basque coach has decided to keep all members of his squad, the reality is that there is a group of players who no longer enjoy the same prominence they had during Carlo Ancelotti's era.

There are five specific names representing a generational and trust shift at the white club: Asensio, Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, David Alaba, and Andriy Lunin.

Xabi Alonso drops 5 players who were important under Ancelotti

Alonso's arrival has meant a shift in playing time management. While these players were key figures in decisive matches under Ancelotti, the scenario has now changed. The Real Madrid coach has made it clear that his project is based on meritocracy, intensity, and a much higher physical level. As a result, the hierarchies of the past have blurred.

In the case of Asensio, his role has diminished due to the emergence of young talents like Rodrygo and Brahim, in addition to the versatility of other forwards. The Balearic player is no longer untouchable, and although he can still be useful in certain matches, the message is clear: those not performing at their best won't have a place.

Mendy's situation is different. The French full-back continues to struggle with physical issues, and his frequent injuries have led other teammates like Fran García or Álvaro Carreras to move ahead in the rotation. The club's patience is wearing thin, and it seems that his continuity will be at stake if he doesn't regain his best form.

Ceballos is a special case. Under Ancelotti, he was considered a potential midfield refreshment. However, his desire to seek a new destination and lack of consistency have made Alonso question his role. His profile doesn't match others in the squad, but that doesn't guarantee him an indisputable position.

More concerning is Alaba's situation. The Austrian, who was once crucial for his defensive versatility, has now become the fifth-choice center-back following Éder Militao's recovery and the signing of Huijsen. The club even tried unsuccessfully to negotiate his departure this summer, clearly indicating a decline in trust towards him.

Lastly, Lunin seems to have permanently lost his spot. After being important due to Courtois' injuries in past seasons, the Ukrainian goalkeeper is now relegated to a secondary role, with minimal chances of starting unless there are setbacks.

This change in direction doesn't mean Alonso wants to immediately part ways with them, but rather aims to increase internal competition. The coach has shown no hesitation in rotating players, even leaving Vinícius Júnior on the bench in a league match. The goal is for no one to feel secure in their position and for everyone to strive to be key players.

In this new project, the squad's respect for Xabi Alonso is absolute. Training sessions are more intense, lengthy, and demanding, with expectations that this will yield results in crucial stages of the season. Yet the big headline is clear: players once deemed essential under Ancelotti's reign now find themselves in the background, indicating that Alonso's Real Madrid has different plans and priorities.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 5 jugadores del Real Madrid que han perdido la confianza de Xabi Alonso