"L loading for Madrid", "Why does he always start him" - Real Madrid fans question star's inclusion in XI for Celta Vigo clash

Real Madrid fans are furious with Xabi Alonso for picking Fran Garcia in his starting XI against Celta Vigo in La Liga. Many believe the left-back should not start, as he would cost them the match.

Alonso has kept faith in Thibaut Courtois, but the backline sees a host of changes. Raul Asencio plays as the right-back, with Eder Militao and Alvaro Carreras as the center-backs, and Fran Garcia starting as the left-back.

Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni are the midfielders, with Jude Bellingham playing as the attacking option, while Arda Guler starts at right-wing. Vinicius Jr keeps his place on the left, while Kylian Mbappe leads the attack.

The fans are delighted with the team, but believe that the only issue is the left-back. Many have hit out at Alonso for his selection and posted:

Alonso spoke ahead of the match, admitting that Valverde was his right-back option. He said that the Uruguayan star was a reliable option and said (via Madrid Universal):

“We have to assess what decision we make, but there are other options. Fede always puts the needs of the team first and has always played there at a high level. But there may be other options. We’ll see tomorrow.”

“I remember matches where he has performed at a very high level: Barça, Juve… We know what his position is, but he is very generous, he wants to help the team, the badge, and he represents the club’s values very well. Having him is a luxury.”

However, he has opted to play the Uruguayan star as a midfielder again, with Asencio at right-back.

Kylian Mbappe compared to Real Madrid legend by Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has compared Kylian Mbappe to Cristiano Ronaldo, saying that they share many qualities. He added that he sees a lot of similarities in their game and said:

“Kylian is on his way to making history at Real Madrid, just like Cristiano did. In terms of ambition, numbers… he’s among the chosen few. Day-to-day with him is very good; wanting to have an influence on the rest, which is contagious, is something he shares with Cristiano. There, I see similarities.”

When asked who he would like in his starting XI, Alonso added:

“Cristiano is Cristiano and Kylian is Kylian. They’re both there. They’re both exceptional. We’re very lucky to have Kylian and we have to make the most of it.”

Real Madrid are four points behind leaders Barcelona and need a win to close the gap back to one point.

Edited by Sripad