Xabi Alonso is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares his squad for the upcoming challenges. This past Friday, the Real Madrid coach organized a friendly match against the Castilla, managed by Álvaro Arbeloa, to assess his players’ readiness. Notably, Ferland Mendy was given a surprising role as a central defender during this training match. The French left-back has been sidelined since suffering a serious injury in the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona on April 26, which required surgery. After six months of rehabilitation, Mendy made his return to the squad in a Champions League match against Juventus but has yet to see any playing time in four consecutive matches.
The opportunity to play against Castilla marks a significant step toward Mendy’s return to competitive action, but it raises questions about his position on the field. Under Carlo Ancelotti, Mendy was a staple at left-back, but now he faces intense competition. Álvaro Carreras, the rising star of the team, has impressed with his performances and seems to have secured that starting role. Furthermore, Fran García has also stepped up when called upon by Alonso, making Mendy’s path back to regular minutes even more challenging.
Testing New Waters
In light of this competition, Alonso is exploring the option of deploying Mendy in central defense. This tactical shift could provide the 30-year-old with new opportunities while also addressing the current defensive setup. The coach appears to have found his preferred pairing in Éder Militão and Huijsen, despite their less-than-stellar performance against Liverpool. With Antonio Rüdiger nearing recovery from injury and still being a key player in the squad, Mendy’s chances of securing consistent playing time are dwindling.
Future Implications
As Real Madrid prepares for their next match against Rayo Vallecano, changes in the lineup seem imminent. Carreras may be rested to allow García to take his place as they navigate a busy schedule. For Mendy, this match represents not just a chance to regain fitness but also an opportunity to prove his versatility and value to the team. The road ahead will be arduous for him as he aims to reestablish himself within the Valdebebas ranks.
With so many factors at play, one must wonder how Alonso will balance competition and tactical needs moving forward. Can Ferland Mendy reclaim his spot in the starting XI? Only time will tell.
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