Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has qualified the skills of their regular options in the number nine as ‘very useful’, but has been wary of the idea of using Gonzalo Garcia Torres and Endrick Felipe more often. So far this season, Mbappe has almost exclusively played in the middle, with Vinicius Junior occasionally moving into the middle.
During the Copa del Rey clash with Talavera de la Reina, the presence of Gonzalo Garcia Torres and Endrick Felipe meant that Mbappe moved to the left. Earlier in his career, this was his position, and in France, his best football came with Olivier Giroud as their man.
However, Alonso was reluctant to board the ship with the idea of using it as a permanent fixture.
“In some places we have done it, especially with Gonzalo. But the other day we did it with Endrick, who played very well. We change the moves to free Kylian. And for the midfielders who play, if we play with deep defenders, and we want to put more people in the box, we know that their movement can be very useful.”
“But we also have to balance that with the balance of the team, make short runs to free Kylian, Vinicius, Arda or Jude.”
‘We work with Vinicius’ – Alonso
If Mbappe were to play on the left more often, it would have a big impact on Vinicius, who has been used sparingly in midfield during his career. Moving the Brazilian to his preferred position would be a big topic. He has currently gone 13 games without a goal, but Alonso was confident that would change.
“And Vini, of course we talk to him, we work with him. I think it’s about certain games, certain times, and he was very close. I think it will come, and I hope tomorrow.”
‘Rodrygo’s contribution was good news’ – Alonso
Another option on the left would be Rodrygo Goes. At the beginning of the year he was used as a substitute for Vinicius on the left, but recently he returned to the side, playing in the center on the right, scoring twice in his last two starts, and ended the run of 33 games without a goal.
“What he brings to the team is great news. The balance he gives us, on and off the ball. He has great skill. He combines well between the lines and tight spaces. We need to get to him on the ball. We want to be consistent, whether on the right or wherever he can play, in all three positions. I am very happy for him; he is doing very well.”
Alonso refuses to comment on the Vinicius photos
Another headline from their Copa del Rey tie was the appearances of Vinicius, Franco Mastantuono, Endrick and Arda Guler. The quartet appeared in good spirits after Talavera scored the second, putting the result at risk.
💣 LOS JUGADORES, DE RISAS con el 2-3 del Talavera.
‼️ Xabi Alonso is a friend and ellos al fondo…
👉 Vinicius, Mastantuono, Guler, Endrick👈 pic.twitter.com/btQyrrdyKr
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) December 19, 2025
“I haven’t seen the video yet, we managed to get through this game and now we’re thinking about Sevilla. It ended well and that’s how it is.”
Los Blancos close 2025 on Saturday night (21:00 CEST) against Sevilla at the Bernabeu. Alonso has asked for his performance to be assessed until the end of the season, amid other questions about his job security.
