Xabi Alonso Hands Two Players Their Real Madrid Debuts Against Al Hilal

Real Madrid's fresh acquisitions will be prominently featured when the Spanish powerhouse faces Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium.

The debut glimpse of Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid is approaching rapidly. The world's most prestigious club experienced an active transfer window following a 2024–25 campaign that ended without securing any significant silverware; Los Blancos appointed Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti and subsequently acquired Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono.

Although the young Argentine talent will compete for River Plate in the FIFA Club World Cup, both Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen are prepared to make their Real Madrid debuts in this expanded competition. These two defensive additions provide essential depth and quality to Real Madrid's defensive line, which continues to miss the injured Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militão.

Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick are also sidelined with injuries, while Kylian Mbappé's participation remains uncertain due to illness. If the star striker cannot participate, Alonso must devise a strategy to defeat Al Hilal, now under Simone Inzaghi's management, without the current Pichichi Trophy and European Golden Boot champion.

Here's how Real Madrid's starting eleven might appear against Al Hilal on June 17.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Al Hilal (4-4-2)

GK: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois will welcome the opportunity to play behind an enhanced and strengthened defensive unit following a campaign marked by numerous defensive struggles for Real Madrid.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—The ex-Liverpool defender is prepared to make his Real Madrid debut on Wednesday. Alexander-Arnold will serve as Alonso's primary right-back option while Dani Carvajal continues his recovery from ACL surgery.

CB: Raúl Asencio—The 22-year-old earns his place after securing a contract extension with Real Madrid until 2031.

CB: Dean Huijsen—Huijsen is also positioned to make his inaugural appearance in the famous white jersey. Real Madrid activated Huijsen's £50 million ($66.4 million) release clause, establishing the former Bournemouth defender as the club's most costly defensive signing ever.

LB: Fran García—With Real Madrid unable to finalize a deal for Álvaro Carreras before the tournament, Fran García receives an opportunity to demonstrate his value to Alonso on the left side.

RM: Arda Güler—Güler's outstanding displays for both club and national team in recent months secured his position in Alonso's starting lineup.

CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—The arrival of defensive reinforcements allows Tchouaméni to abandon his makeshift center-back role, enabling him to operate in his preferred midfield position.

CM: Fede Valverde—The Uruguayan enjoyed a well-deserved month of rest and has returned to peak physical condition for the FIFA Club World Cup. Valverde can now resume his midfield duties after spending most of the previous season at right-back.

LM: Jude Bellingham—Real Madrid's premier creative force will aim to utilize his vision and ingenuity to penetrate Inzaghi's organized defensive structure.

ST: Rodrygo—If Mbappé cannot play against Al Hilal, Rodrygo will partner with Vinícius Júnior in attack. The Brazilian has been linked with transfer rumors but maintains his contentment at Real Madrid.

ST: Vinícius Júnior—The expectation falls on Vinícius Júnior to recover from a disappointing season and rediscover his previous Ballon d'Or-caliber performances.