Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso challenges his attacking players, including Vinicius and Rodrygo, to step up and provide goal-scoring alternatives to Kylian Mbappé amid injury updates and upcoming fixtures.
According to a report from Sports Illustrated (SI), Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has issued a public challenge to his attacking players, urging them to find “alternatives” for goals and address the team’s ongoing overreliance on star striker Kylian Mbappé.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has thrown down the gauntlet to his forward players, stressing the critical need for “alternatives” to supplement Kylian Mbappé’s scoring contributions.
Despite the team currently topping La Liga and sitting eighth in the Champions League table, with only two losses in all competitions, concerns persist regarding an excessive dependence on the French superstar for goals.
Alonso addressed the issue, stating: “After every match, we analyze it. We didn’t manage to score in Liverpool or Vallecas. It’s not just down to Mbappé, it’s down to the team.
When we don’t score, we have to look for alternatives that don’t just involve the striker. That could be the wingers from the second line or from set pieces. The goals will come, I have no doubt about that.”
The data highlights the problem: Mbappé is the only Madrid player to have reached double-digit goals, netting 18 goals across 16 appearances in all competitions.
Vinicius Junior is the next highest scorer, with just five goals in the same number of games. Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham follow with three goals each.
Alonso’s demand comes as the team prepares for a demanding winter schedule, featuring eight matches between Sunday and December 20, necessitating full mental and physical readiness from the entire squad.