REAL MADRID could line up in a stunning new formation with Xabi Alonso at the helm.
The Spaniard is expected to link up with his former side after announcing he will leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Alonso’s impending arrival at Real is set to see Carlo Ancelotti finalise a deal with Brazil.
And Los Blancos are set for an exciting revamp on the pitch as well as off it.
A free transfer deal for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has almost been completed.
He is expected to kick-start a summer of spending as Real looks to make amends for a disappointing league and European campaign.
Other players they are looking at include Arsenal’s William Saliba, Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
Should they land all their targets, Real could line up in a bold new way under tactical expert Alonso.
The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich playmaker has used several formations during his time as a boss.
But Alonso’s main tactic at Leverkusen is the 3-4-2-1, which led the Germans to a title-winning Invincibles season last year.
That could see Thibaut Courtois line up in goal, with Saliba and Huijsen joining Eder Militao in the back three.
There may not be room for ex-Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger as a result, while David Alaba could also be frozen out.
Further forward, Alexander-Arnold and Gutierrez could operate as Real’s wing-backs.
Sticking Federico Valverde in midfield alongside Zubimendi would allow Alexander-Arnold to drift infield, as the Uruguayan is often found bombing down the right flank.
And up top, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr could play the supporting roles behind striker Kylian Mbappe.
Another formation Alonso used at Leverkusen, mainly this season, is the classic 4-4-2.
That would see a back four of Alexander-Arnold, Saliba, Huijsen and Gutierrez start in front of Courtois.
Bellingham could partner Zubimendi in midfield while being flanked by Vinicius Jr and fellow Brazilian winger Rodrygo.
And up front, youngster Endrick could finally get a proper chance to flourish alongside Mbappe.
Finally, Alonso could revert to the 4-2-3-1 system he used back with Real Sociedad’s B team.
It also holds the benefit of being the formation Real currently deploy under Ancelotti.
And that would see a similar back five supported by a midfield pivot of Zubimendi and fellow holder Eduardo Camavinga.
Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Mbappe would then form a fearsome attack.
And not many would bet against Alonso leading Real to LaLiga glory in his first season in charge.
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