Xabi Alonso will take 19-year-old Real Madrid starlet to the FIFA Club World Cup | OneFootball

In less than a week, the FIFA Club World Cup gets underway in the United States of America. Real Madrid, though, will play their first game of the group stage next week against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.

With the team set to fly to the US later this week, new manager Xabi Alonso already has a fair idea of the players who he will be taking along for the tournament.

A number of first-team players will be unavailable through injury while the likes of Dani Carvajal David Alaba, and Eder Militao, despite resuming training, are unlikely to be involved either.

As such, there will be opportunities for young talents from the Castilla and youth teams at the tournament.

The likes of Diego Aguado, Jesus Fortea, Gonzalo Garcia, and Jacobo Ramon are all expected to be in Alonso’s squad for the tournament.

Yusi will also travel with Real Madrid first team

Now, according to journalist Rodra, another Real Madrid youngster, Youssef Lekhedim ‘Yusi’ will also be travelling with the first team for the FIFA Club World Cup.

The 19-year-old left-back is a player that Xabi Alonso is familiar with, having already coached him with the club’s Infantil A (U-14) team a few years ago.

Ferland Mendy is unavailable for the Club World Cup. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Real Madrid will be flying to the US without first-choice left-back Ferland Mendy who is out injured.

The Merengues hoped to close the signing of Alvaro Carreras from Benfica in time for the tournament but it was not possible either.

As such, Alonso will be left with only Fran Garcia as the recognised left-back in the squad. That is why, Yusi is also expected to travel to the US for the tournament.

The 19-year-old left-back made 35 appearances for Castilla this season, scoring one and assisting four goals. He was also called up to the first-team matchday squad by former manager Carlo Ancelotti on eight occasions.

Given Alonso’s familiarity with the player, it should not come as a surprise to see Yusi get some opportunities at the Club World Cup, although fellow teenager Aguado will also be an option.