Xabi Alonso bets on Éder Militão and wants to make him a key player at Real Madrid
Brazilian centre-back set to be key figure in the club’s new era despite difficult comeback from injury
Real Madrid’s new manager Xabi Alonso has identified Éder Militão as a cornerstone of his defensive strategy for the 2025/26 season. According to Spanish journalist Rubén Martín, Alonso has “complete trust” in the Brazilian defender and plans to make him a central figure in the club’s sporting project moving forward.
Militão’s Redemption After Injury-Hit Season
Militão, 27, endured a challenging 2024/25 season, spending the majority of the campaign sidelined due to a severe injury. The centre-back only returned to action late in the year and featured in Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain, a match that ended in a 4–0 defeat and elimination for the Spanish giants.
Under former coach Carlo Ancelotti, Militão saw limited minutes post-recovery, but Xabi Alonso now sees the Brazilian as vital to rebuilding a stable backline.
Alonso Sees Potential in Militão-Huijsen Duo
Alonso also has plans to integrate Dean Huijsen, 20, into the starting lineup alongside Militão. The combination of Huijsen’s youth and agility with Militão’s experience could bring balance to a backline that has recently struggled with injuries and inconsistency.
Huijsen has already staked a claim to a starting role, while Militão will have to outperform Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio to reclaim his position.
Madrid Monitoring Future Signings Despite Strong Core
Despite backing its current roster, Real Madrid continues to scout defensive reinforcements. Arsenal’s William Saliba is reportedly under observation, though a formal approach is unlikely in the short term due to recent big-money transfers.
Another long-term target is Ibrahima Konaté of Liverpool. The Madrid board is said to be monitoring his contract situation and could make a move once the French defender nears the end of his deal with the Premier League club.
