Real Madrid set to start new signings in FIFA Club World Cup opener

Real Madrid kick off a brand new era on Thursday as they open their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Al Hilal under the management of Xabi Alonso.

The former Spanish midfielder took over the reins from Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the regular season and will take charge of his first game as Real boss when they take on the Saudi Pro League side in Miami. 

Alonso won't be the only new face among the Madrid squad either, with two major new signings included in their squad for the tournament in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. 

Huijsen arrived in a £50 million move from Bournemouth earlier this month, while the club paid Liverpool a £10 million fee for Alexander-Arnold so that he could play in the Club World Cup before his contract at Anfield expired. 

There has been much speculation on how the new boss will set out his vision of Madrid, but according to reports, it looks like Alonso will include both his new recruits from the start in their opening fixture. 

Spanish outlet Cadena Sar has reported that both Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen will be in Alonso's starting line-up, which could even lean towards a 4-4-2 looking formation. 

In attack, the manager is said to favour a pairing of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, in what would be a friendly-looking duo for their Saudi opponents. 

Ahead of the game, Alonso spoke to the media and shared his excitement for Thursday's clash and beginning his new chapter at the Spanish giants. 

He said, "We are starting a new stage and we have to prioritise what is important: what we want to be, how we want to play and that we feel it. We want to be able to do that from the first moment, from the match against Al Hilal. First, we must be able to recognise ourselves," 

“Talking with the players has been very positive. Little by little you get to know them, you have that much-needed contact and little by little more players are arriving.”

After Hilal, Madrid takes on Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage of the competition. 

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