Nobody listened to him, but Xabi Alonso already warned: 'He was the best possible signing'

Real Madrid are going through a period of doubt after the defeat against Liverpool. Beyond the result, the feelings left by the white team at Anfield were anything but encouraging. The lack of intensity to recover possession and the lack of ideas when creating dangerous plays were two constants throughout the 90 minutes.

In fact, the MVP of the match was Thibaut Courtois, who had to make eight outstanding saves to prevent a scandalous rout. Meanwhile, on the offensive side, Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé were almost invisible and failed to create any danger. However, after reviewing what happened, Xabi Alonso has understood that the problem wasn't in the penalty areas: what failed was the midfield.

The signing Xabi Alonso requested and that never arrived was necessary

Xabi Alonso missed the presence of a pure playmaker, capable of building plays and overcoming Liverpool's first line of pressure. That lack left the team without control and without fluidity at key moments. In that sense, all eyes are on the same name: Zubimendi.

Since his arrival on Real Madrid's bench, Xabi Alonso requested the signing of Zubimendi. The former Real Sociedad player fit the white squad like a glove: decisive, modern, and with a leader's character. However, Florentino Pérez refused to pay more than €60 million for him and decided to trust Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Camavinga, leading to his signing by Arsenal.

Zubimendi shines at Arsenal, Xabi Alonso was right

Zubimendi has started at an outstanding level at Arsenal, showing that he was the profile Real Madrid needed. His vision of the game, passing ability, and command of space place him among the best midfielders in Europe. Now, after what was seen at Anfield, it seems clear that Xabi Alonso was right.

The problem for Real Madrid is that it's already too late. The option to sign Zubimendi is a thing of the past: he's very happy at Arsenal and the gunner board are as well. Florentino Pérez will have to look for alternatives knowing that Xabi Alonso's big bet has already slipped away.

Not signing Zubimendi has marked a turning point for Real Madrid. Xabi Alonso will have to continue without that specific playmaker and find solutions that allow him to compete at the highest level. Let's hope that next time Florentino Pérez listens to his coach's requests.