Xabi Alonso singles out Barcelona’s biggest threat ahead of El Clasico | OneFootball

As Real Madrid prepare for the showdown against Barcelona tonight in Jeddah, they face a completely different challenge to what they did in October’s El Clasico.

Back in their first meeting of the season, the Blaugrana were dealing with a storm of injuries and Real Madrid took advantage of the situation to register a much-needed win.

Standing on the opposite side of the equation this time around, Xabi Alonso and Co. are aware of the various threats in the Catalans’ ranks but the manager has reportedly identified the most potent threat of them all.

Special focus on the captain

Alonso sees Raphinha to be Barcelona’s biggest threat. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Indeed, as relayed by Defensa Central in a recent update, Xabi Alonso has identified Barcelona captain Raphinha as the most potent threat in the Blaugrana team and has asked his players to pay special focus on the Brazilian star.

“For me, Raphinha is the best of them because he gives them many things, goals, assists, and that defensive work that is key,” Alonso reportedly told his dressing room, making his priorities clear.

Raphinha, after all, has been crucial for Barcelona ever since he returned from injury and has not only been a differential player in attack but has also been a leader on the field, improving the team’s defensive performance.

The last time Real Madrid faced Barcelona, the captain was missing through injury after he suffered a relapse just days before the Clasico. His absence, needless to say, directly correlated with their reduced off-the-ball work.

Since returning, the Brazilian has proven to be one of Barcelona’s most decisive players and enters the Clasico on a run of five goals in his last five appearances across all competitions.

In fact, he was the MVP when the two teams faced off in the final of the Super Cup last year in Saudi Arabia as he racked up two goals and an assist in the eventual 5-2 rout.