Xabi Alonso hints at Rodrygo’s central role after studying Brazil; Vinícius and Militão in long-term plan

Xabi Alonso has opened the door to a Brazil-inspired tweak at Real Madrid, praising Rodrygo’s display “in that position” versus Korea and suggesting it’s a viable option for the future. He also name-checked Vinícius Júnior and Éder Militão, underlining their importance in his planning. The message is clear: Madrid’s attack could become even more fluid, with Rodrygo capable of operating centrally or between the lines, while Vinícius stretches defenses and Militão restores defensive aggression. With a packed calendar ahead and marquee clashes looming, Alonso’s remarks signal a flexible, opponent-specific approach designed to keep Madrid unpredictable.

During a recent media availability, Xabi Alonso reflected on Brazil’s match against Korea, highlighting how Rodrygo excelled in a central/advanced role and stating it is a setup Real Madrid can consider going forward. He emphasized that Vinícius Júnior and Éder Militão remain crucial elements of his plan, indicating a broader tactical framework informed by international performances and adaptable roles within Madrid’s front line and back line.

🗣 Xabi Alonso: "Vinicius and Rodrygo? I watched the Brazil game. We can't forget Militão too. We were able to use Rodrygo in that position, where he performed very well against Korea. It's a possibility we can have for the future."

@MadridXtra

Impact Analysis

Alonso’s remarks point to a Real Madrid side leaning deeper into positional interchange, a hallmark of modern elite teams. Leveraging Rodrygo centrally—whether as a false nine, second striker, or advanced playmaker—creates interior overloads that free Vinícius Júnior to attack space on the left and encourages full-back underlaps/overlaps. The immediate benefit is unpredictability: opponents preparing to double Vinícius risk conceding central superiority if Rodrygo drifts into pockets between midfield and defense.

For Vinícius, a more central Rodrygo can become both a wall-pass outlet and a gravity magnet, drawing markers and enabling Vini’s diagonal runs. It also diversifies Madrid’s chance creation away from touchline isolations, giving Alonso more levers against deep blocks. In transition, Rodrygo’s ball security and defensive work rate allow faster counter-pressing recoveries.

Éder Militão’s inclusion in Alonso’s comments underscores the balance required: flexible attacking structures demand a back line comfortable defending large spaces. Militão’s recovery pace and front-foot dueling are pivotal if Madrid commit bodies between the lines. The broader implication is a squad primed for game-to-game tailoring: versus low blocks, Madrid can crowd central lanes; against high lines, Vini’s depth runs remain the primary weapon. If executed, this approach elevates ceiling performances in La Liga and Europe, while distributing creative responsibility across multiple zones.

Reaction

Social buzz ranged from tactical excitement to lighthearted curiosity. One fan quipped that Alonso is “plotting the Brazil squad like it’s a chessboard while we’re still figuring out checkers,” capturing the sense that Madrid now think several moves ahead. Another simply concluded, “He’s a talented player,” a nod to Rodrygo’s multi-role capability. The hype spilled over with “It’s about to get scary,” reflecting a belief that a central Rodrygo plus a rampaging Vinícius could overwhelm most defenses.

There was also earnest curiosity: “Where did Rodrygo play vs Korea?”—a fair question that highlights the nuance of his usage between the lines, alternating as an advanced midfielder/second striker occupying the right half-space. Others looked forward, suggesting that “El Classico should be fun,” anticipating how this tweak might stress-test Barcelona’s back line if Madrid flood the middle and release Vini wide.

As ever, the thread wasn’t without noise, with unrelated promotional posts popping up—proof that the broader conversation reached well beyond tactics diehards. Still, the dominant fan sentiment centered on optimism: Alonso’s tailored roles could sharpen Madrid’s cutting edge, with Rodrygo’s movement and pressing giving Vini and the midfield a cleaner platform to dominate high-stakes matches.

Social reactions

What’s wrong then against Japan?

AJu (@AMglBarca)

Alonso out here plotting the Brazil squad like it’s a chessboard while we’re still figuring out checkers

Abdul Qayyum 🪺 (@0xaq_)

where did Rodrygo played vs Korea?

Vad Vadim (@VadVadim2)

Prediction

If Alonso doubles down on this Brazil-inspired template, expect Madrid to trial Rodrygo centrally in matches where opponents sit mid-to-low. In these games, he can knit play, drag center-backs out, and open lanes for Vinícius’s diagonal sprints. Against aggressive presses, Rodrygo’s receiving between lines becomes an escape valve; quick third-man combinations with the right-sided interior and overlapping full-back could yield repeatable entries into Zone 14.

Militão’s role will grow as rhythm returns: his recovery pace permits a higher line, enabling midfield to compress space and amplify Madrid’s counter-press. In marquee fixtures—El Clásico or Champions League knockouts—Alonso may toggle between a pure winger profile for Rodrygo and the central variant, depending on whether he targets wide isolations or central overloads.

Short-term, expect a staggered rollout: 20–30 minute in-game adjustments before full starts in the central role. If the metrics spike—shot quality, field tilt, high regains—Madrid could formalize this as a Plan A against compact sides. The ceiling: a front unit that scores earlier, controls territory longer, and preserves legs via better structural spacing. The floor: quick reversion to wide Rodrygo if central density stifles his dribbling lanes.

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Conclusion

Alonso’s message reads like a blueprint rather than a soundbite. By validating Rodrygo’s effectiveness in a central role and reaffirming the importance of Vinícius and Militão, he outlines a Madrid that is versatile, opponent-specific, and comfortable morphing mid-match. The strategic upside is compelling: interior control without sacrificing wing threat, plus defensive insurance through Militão’s athleticism.

Execution, of course, is the differentiator. If the rotations are synchronized—midfield staggering, full-back timing, and Rodrygo’s body orientation between lines—Madrid gain a persistent advantage in central lanes. If not, attacks could stall or expose the back line to counters. Yet the tone of Alonso’s comments suggests careful iteration rather than reckless overhaul.

All signs point to a Madrid prepared to weaponize flexibility. With Vinícius stretching, Rodrygo stitching, and Militão stabilizing, Alonso’s future-facing option looks less like an experiment and more like the next evolution of a side built to dictate La Liga and compete deep into Europe.