Explaining Xabi Alonso's methodology: How the Spaniard influences the game

However when the normal footballing fan is asked to explain the role Xabi plays during attacking transitions , they don’t have a clear answer. In case they do, they’re wrong 9 times out of 10.So what exactly is the Alonso methodology?

This is how Real set up. Two attacking full-backs, two defensive midfielders (one who drops back and goes forward and one who drops back and defends the flanks during counter-attacks) , one attacking midfielder who can burst forward or drop into the middle, two wingers who have the tendency to cut in and a forward who can drop back and drift wide.A system such as that gives the team a variety of options in changing its shape. From a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 for example, would be quite easy.

Transitions have become crucial. When the opponent is organised defensively, it is very difficult to score. The moment the opponent loses the ball can be the time to exploit the opportunity of someone being out of position. Similarly when we lose the ball we must react immediately. In training I sometimes practice keeping a minimum of five players behind the ball, so that when we lose it we can still keep a good defensive shape. The players must learn to read the game – when to press and when to return to their defensive positions. Everybody says that set plays win most games, but I think it is more about transitions.” – Jose Mourinho

When Madrid have the ball, everyone pushes up. Alonso pulls back and Khedira consolidates the middle of the park. It seems peculiar, cause clearly Khedira should be the one dropping deep. However, the reality is different.The player that drops deep differs from team to team. For Madrid, they need someone who can control the tempo and dictate the game at will. Modric has tried to fit into this role, and hasn’t done too badly.

Going back to the topic, Alonso drops deep and forms the head of a 3-man defense. The center-backs pull wide, so as to increase the defensive solidity. Alonso easily slots in.

Now this depends on the phase of play. If Madrid are playing with the ball upfront already, Alonso will be in the other half. Being the go-to guy, and holding the structure well. He will ease the pressure off the full-backs when they run into trouble and provide more passing options for the #10 and the #9 .

However the Alonso methodology starts off when Madrid are building the play from the back. When they need someone who can spread play and organize the attack to the tiniest of details. One who will spearhead the counter-attacks without breaking sweat.

The vital part is the triangular engine. An engine formed by Alonso, Khedira and Isco. They are responsible for the organization and continuity of play. They are constantly looking at each other, reading each other’s minds and planning out the next attack.

When Xabi drops deep, he sprays balls left , right and center. It isn’t really hard for him as he arguably has the best technical ability when it comes to passing, especially long balls. He looks out for the runs made by wingers and full-backs. That’s just the start though. This is in a scenario where he needs to release the ball quickly. If he doesn’t the counter-attack fades off.

The fact is by dropping deep he can also make sure that the players have a lighthouse to guide themselves back to proper defensive positions after loosing the ball. This mainly comes due to the triangular engine being such a dominant force in midfield. Khedira drifts wide to cover, Isco returns back as quickly as possible and covers the opposite flank, while Alonso steps up to calm things down.

Now what of a scenario where Madrid aren’t looking to counter-attack?Xabi drops deep again, and there is no doubt that there will be players pressing at him. For the sake of it, let’s follow the European model of pressing. The striker and attacking midfielder will charge at Alonso, one pressing directly (in this case the striker) and one blocking off a direct passing lane (the attacking midfielder) .

Alonso can’t spray the ball ahead, cause the wingers won’t expect it. Ronaldo isn’t exactly looking to make that cheeky run behind a defender. Instead he is expecting the ball to be brought forward and either given to him to create something or have himself played in , through on goal.

There are a variety of ways Alonso can get himself out of what people would call a vacuum.

1. Play it around the defense without encroaching the middle
2. Have a give and go with Khedira or Isco
3. Burst through
4. Give it ahead, and wait for your chance.

Number 1 is easy enough to explain. When Xabi receives the ball, he plays it around with the center-backs and the full-backs that drop back in a bid to mess up the system of pressing applied by the opposition. 5 to 6 quick passes and Alonso can make sure that his passage through the middle is open. Alonso is most dangerous when he is right at the kick-off spot.

Number 2 involves the midfielder or the attacking midfielder that drops deep. The give and go or more popularly knows as a one-two pass, if used quickly can be very effective in creating space in the middle. That is the one that can be read on the picture. He is pressed by the striker and attacking midfielder ( blue lines), he gives it either to the defenders or the midfielders (orange arrows) and runs in between quickly in the direction of the green arrow, and voila. He is in the middle.Number 3, highly unlikely as Xabi doesn’t really rely on his running and trickery. On his day though, he sure can….

Number 4 means spray it forward and hope for the best. Let Isco get the ball and bring it down, then burst forward as Khedira holds the defensive line and dictate play from further up the field.

So once Xabi does get himself out of the vacuum, he begins to create attacks. To make it easier to understand, there will also be a presser near Khedira, who will begin to retreat back to cover for Xabi.

it’s pretty much the same situation as the one where he builds play from the back. The triangular engine shifts forward and Khedira switches roles with Alonso. Once in the middle, Xabi creates havoc. He can lob the ball to wingers and the strikers to create chances. He keeps possession and raises the tempo at will when he releases the ball.

He acts like the connector between the defense, midfield and front line.

To sum it up, the Alonso methodology is a system that highly relies on the player’s tremendous technical ability. His ability to switch play from flanks, be a dominant figure at the center of the park, create chances and counter-attacking opportunities, while at the same time holding the defensive and offensive structure, is what makes Real Madrid tick.