Real Madrid midfield duo considered ‘undisputed’ starters by Xabi Alonso | OneFootball

Real Madrid have made a positive start to the 2025/26 La Liga season, winning three in three games, taking the top spot in the table.

The Merengues have shown signs of adapting to the ways and tactics of new manager Xabi Alonso, with things seeming to be on the right track.

While the manager has not been afraid to take some big calls – such as benching the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Trent Alexander-Arnold – he has also identified some players who are seen as guaranteed starters.

Tchouameni, Valverde considered ‘undisputed’

Indeed, according to The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana, Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid see two players as ‘undisputed’ starters when it comes to the midfield department – Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.

The midfield duo have started and played the full 90 minutes in each of the Merengues’ first three games of the season against Osasuna, Real Oviedo, and Mallorca, and their status is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Undisputed. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Valverde’s place in the team has never been in question and the Uruguayan international has only continued to consolidate his position season after season.

Now the vice-captain of the team, the 27-year-old’s importance in the team cannot be understated.

As for Tchouameni, the Frenchman has enjoyed a terrific turnaround, from being whistled by fans midway through the last season to establishing himself as a key pillar of the team.

Alonso has made it clear that the former AS Monaco midfielder is an integral part of his scheme, with the player often seeming like the manager’s extension on the pitch.

In a midfield department that is stacked with talented players, Real Madrid see Valverde and Tchouameni as absolute, undisputed starters.