Real Madrid: Alonso sheds light on Vinicius Junior and Mbappe partnership in new system

Xabi Alonso expressed his satisfaction with Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Salzburg, particularly praising the team's defensive commitment and collective sacrifice in the Club World Cup win. 

Vinicius Junior scored and assisted for Los Blancos, with Federico Valverde and Gonzalo Garcia also among the goals for the Spanish giants in the comfortable success.

The new Real boss specifically lauded Vini Jr.'s excellent all-round performance, noting not only his goal and assist but also his significant defensive contribution before discussing his possible partnership up top with Kylian Mbappe in the team’s new 3-5-2 approach. 

Alonso analysed the potential combination between Vini Jr. and the Frenchman, seeing them as complementary players. 

He eagerly anticipates Mbappe’s return, recognising him as a top player crucial for the team's collective quality.

"Vini Jr. can do it from the outside, and Mbappe from the inside,” said Alonso after success over Salzburg.

“Thinking about why things are done can make them work. We need collective quality so that the players have good support and everyone benefits from the collective system.

"We need Mbappe and we want him back as soon as possible and in the best possible condition. I don't want to be optimistic and get ahead of myself, but we need him because he's a top player, one of the best in the world. We hope he's back soon."

Real Madrid face Juventus in the last 16 on Tuesday, and the winner of the tie advances to the quarter-final, where Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey await.