Xabi Alonso's first backheel

When Xabi Alonso was asked about Vinicius 's backheel to Valverde , he said he thought the move was "very good," but that, "with all due respect," as his president is fond of saying, he preferred Guti 's move at Riazor, which he witnessed live. That move, from which Benzema benefited, has gone down in the video library of excellence in the penalty area, so the Tolosa native's preference should come as no surprise. But the statement from someone who carefully measures everything he says carries another intention: equidistance from the excessive praise that fuels egos. Vini's praise is proportional to his quality. Immense.

It was, then, a subtle but groundbreaking heel statement. He cleared Laporta with another backheel, a reference to freedom and democracy, although when he tried to take a free kick, Xabi didn't hesitate: "We all defend." It's not just any statement in a Madrid where at least two players, Vinicius and Mbappé , were released from duty under Ancelotti . Madrid is already on another level, where the bombshell is spreading.

Although it's early days, some tactical outlines from the new coach are beginning to emerge. Güler assumed the midfield leadership role against Pachuca, and Tochuaméni contributed to the formation of three central defenders against Salzburg. A formula that has been anathema to Madrid, but preferred by the manager, as demonstrated at Leverkusen. If your full-backs are Alexander-Arnold and Fran García , or the expected Carreras , all the more so, since they attack better than they defend. He seeks more control, more pressure, but he needs more coordination. That takes time.

The debut against Al Hilal left a disappointing aroma due to its continuity, although with one new feature: the selection of Gonzalo due to Mbappé's absence. These adverse circumstances opened the door to the youth academy, instead of another player adapted to the position, and confirmed a certainty: how well a pure penalty area striker always suits Madrid, because their ethos includes speed, attacking whirlwind, and, if possible, a backheel.