Xabi Alonso and the loose ends to be finalized in the most atypical express preseason: Rodrygo, Asencio and the commitment of Vinicius and Mbappé

Medical check-up at Blua Sanitas Hospital in Valdebebas. Quick greetings to teammates. A brief conversation to discuss the short vacation. Lunch, rest, and the first training session in the mid-afternoon on Monday, just as the heat in Madrid begins to subside. Real Madrid's most atypical preseason kicked off yesterday at full speed, with no time to breathe .

Express preparations are underway for Xabi Alonso and his staff , who will only have 15 days to work until the start of La Liga. Javier Tebas refused to allow the delay in the start of the season for Spain's last representative at the Club World Cup, and the Whites will debut on August 19 against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu (9:00 p.m.).

A season opener that comes just 40 days after the defeat to PSG. Over the next two weeks, the squad will work at the Valdebebas training ground and will only play one friendly match, on the 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Tivoli Stadion in Innsbruck (Austria) against WSG Tirol . The Basque coach is in urgent need, with little time for planning and several loose ends. Many pending tasks. Barring any unforeseen events, the squad is finalized at 25 players .

RODRYGO'S UNCERTAINTY

A shadow fell over the Brazilian after his poor performance at the Club World Cup. The forward still has a strong reputation on the market, and some suggest that selling him could provide a substantial income to make a top-flight signing. This option currently seems ruled out. Madrid has not received an interesting offer to date and would not part with the player for less than 80 million euros. His contract expires in three years . Furthermore, Rodrygo intends to remain at the club and earn Xabi Alonso's trust. The Brazilian international knows that the new manager will demand more defensive commitment from him and that he won't be guaranteed a starting spot. Competition in the attacking line is fierce.

ENDRICK'S ROLE

The most untimely injury has halted the Brazilian striker's progress. After missing the end of last season with a problem in the hamstring tendon in his right leg, his recovery has been complicated in recent weeks and there is still no date set for his return. His absence has coincided with the emergence of youth player Gonzalo , whose performance at the Club World Cup has excited Xabi and his closest collaborators. Now, Endrick, in the most advanced striker position, has Mbappé and the former Castilla striker ahead of him.

HELP FROM VINICIUS AND MBAPPÉ

Xabi Alonso demands commitment and solidarity from all his players. In his versatile system, which includes the possible presence of three center-backs and two attacking full-backs, support, substitutions, and positional swaps are essential, and to achieve this, he needs the collaboration of Vinicius and Mbappé . The Basque coach doesn't want either of them to fall behind the group. "All together and in solidarity" is the principle that moves all the pieces. Therefore, one of his priorities is to instill in the two stars the need to sacrifice for the benefit of the team . Carlo Ancelotti tried to instill this goal in them, but failed.

THE ABSENCE OF MASTANTUONO

The newest talent in Argentine football, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold , Huijsen , and Carreras , joins the Bernabéu as a great asset for the future. There's no rush for the attacking midfielder. He arrived in Madrid last weekend, is working individually at Valdebebas , and won't join the group until he turns 18, on the 14th, when he could be officially presented. Xabi will have to say what role he will play. The former River Plate player plays easily as a second striker and on the right wing. His entry into the team will depend on his ability to adapt. The club has great faith in his quality and vision.

BELLINGHAM'S INJURY

The Englishman's absence, after undergoing surgery for a dislocated left shoulder, opens the door for Mastantuono and others in need of confidence and playing time, such as Arda Güler, Camavinga , and Brahim . Bellingham's absence is expected to be long-term, around three months. His return is expected in October . The England international injured his shoulder on November 5 and has since played 100 matches with discomfort. "I want to feel free," he exclaimed before undergoing surgery.

CEBALLOS' DOUBTS

Another player who could benefit from Bellingham's absence is Dani Ceballos. The Andalusian barely played in the Club World Cup and is looking for more exposure. The transfer market is open until the end of September, and his name is on several teams' lists . Another player with a strong reputation is Brahim.

ASENCIO'S PROBLEMS

The youth player, after a remarkable end to the season, blemished his record in two matches at the Club World Cup. The Canary Island defender appeared nervous and inaccurate , as if Huijsen's arrival had bothered him. It's inevitable that his legal affairs are affecting him emotionally. Last week, the prosecutor's office requested a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for his alleged involvement in the distribution of a video of minors with sexual content.

THE FUTURE OF ALABA AND MENDY

Both defenders continue to be hampered by their respective injuries. The club is convinced that their best is behind them. The arrivals of Huijsen and Carreras hamper their chances, and they are interested in being active in their bid to compete at the next World Cup . Their departures from the club are not out of the question. Xabi Alonso has the final say.