Real Madrid Hopes Alexander-Arnold And Huijsen Give Instant Impact

JAKARTA - Xabi Alonso praised the instant impact of new Real Madrid players, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

He called the new player the top player ahead of the team's appearance in the opening match of the 2025 Club World Cup.

Los Blancos acted quickly after a disappointing season by appointing Alonso. They also landed full-back Alexander-Arnold and centre-back Huijsen, as well as Franco Mastantuono of River Plate, who will join in August 2025.

After just a few days of training with the players, the Alonso team will make their debut against Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami on Thursday, June 19, 2025, early in the morning WIB, in the first match of Group H.

"I'm very happy with how we work in terms of transfers. Dean and Trent are top players. They have an instant impact."

"They don't need a lot of training. They don't need many concepts. They start immediately. The final project isn't finished yet, but tomorrow we will start the first day," Alonso told a news conference on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, local time.

Alonso was also asked about playmaker Mastantuono, who impressed River in a 3-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds at the 2025 Club World Cup on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

"He's a boy with a fantastic present and an extraordinary future. His maturity on the pitch, he also shows off the pitch."

"When I talk to him, I see his ambition, his maturity. In August 2025, he will be with us. He will be an important addition to the squad," said Alonso.

Meanwhile, Alonso was reluctant to criticize Real Madrid's performance last season under his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti.

However, at the press conference, he gave some hints about where the team should improve its performance.

"It's about distance (between players), with and without balls. We have to be in a better position to control the ball and reclaim it. The team has to be more compact."

"I'm sure that on the last day of the tournament, we will be a better team," he said.

Alonso said several Real Madrid players with long-term injuries were nearing recovery, but most likely would not be available against Al Hilal.

"They are all in a different phase. (Antonio) Rudiger has made tremendous efforts during the season. He has made good efforts to recover. He will return first."

"I don't know if we're going to put him in the squad. With the others, we'll be a little calmer. (Dani) Carvajal and (Eder) Militao need a little more time," he said.