A revolutionary 3-4-3 tactical concept inspired by Alonso's Leverkusen, adapted for Real Madrid with Trent, Mbappé, and Bellingham at the core
Included in Premium Members Area: Extra Downloads & Benefits
Premium: Extra Benefits
According to reports, Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso will be replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid this summer when the Italian leaves Los Blancos to take over the Brazil National Team.
Xabi Alonso famously won the Bundesliga for the first time in Bayer Leverkusen's history, winning the league as Invincibles, before following up the league success with a DFB-Pokal win to secure a sensational domestic double.
In this article, I'll be providing the analysis of my tactical concept for Xabi Alonso to use at Real Madrid from next season, before demonstrating said tactical concept within Football Manager 2024 and showcasing the incredible results the tactics achieved in testing.
Firstly, let's have a look at how I came up with my unique tactical concept.
Continuation of the 3-4-3
During his time at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso has stuck to the idea of using variations of formations containing a back-three, most notably using a 3-4-3 during his title-winning campaign.
According to reports in Spain, Xabi Alonso plans on using a back-three at Real Madrid, so therefore, I built my tactical concept around his successful 3-4-3 shape. I also took certain parts of his title-winning system and adopted them within my tactical concept, especially the short, quick, vertical passing in narrow areas.
READ ALSO: Spalletti's Invincible Napoli Tactic in FM24
The Trent Conundrum
According to world-famous football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid when his contract at Liverpool expires this summer. Therefore, I had to figure out how to fit Trent Alexander-Arnold into my system.
To do this, I thought outside of the box and conjured up a plan to maximise his ability and put emphasis on the talent of Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé. The immediate idea of most people would be to have Trent Alexander-Arnold hold the width on the right-side, moving higher to help form the front-five.
However, for me, this positioning is sub-optimal for a player with the technical quality of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and I wanted to accentuate his elite passing ability. To achieve this, instead of holding him wider, I used him as an 'Inverted Wing-Back' role in the RWB position. As the Englishman will be moving inside, of course we need a player to hold the width on that side, and that's where the pace, directness and unpredictability of Rodrygo comes into play – as a 'Winger' role in a traditional RW position.
This decision creates an asymmetrical formation out-of-possession, however, I applied the 'Mark Specific Position' instruction to his role so he'll defend in the central pentagon naturally created by the 3-4-3/3-4-2-1 formation.
With Rodrygo vacating the right half-space, who would accommodate that position? To achieve our 3-2-5 in-possession shape, I selected the 'Segundo Volante' role for Jude Bellingham to play in the double-pivot, relying on his immense work rate, stamina and box-crashing qualities to fit the role like a glove.
This unique set-up of roles, in my opinion, places Real Madrid's best players in the most optimal positions within our 3-2-5 in-possession shape. You can observe an example of the difference in the two pictures below:
|
| Classic 3-2-5 created from 3-4-3 formation |
|
| My Tactical Concept |
For me, this tactical concept accentuates the greatest strength of Real Madrid's best right-sided players – Trent Alexander-Arnold, from a deeper position, can utilize his elite vision and passing ability to draw out opposition midfielders from their defensive shape. He can also use these qualities to release the rapid Mbappé in-behind the opposition defence.
With Rodrygo holding the width, he can be in positions to attack a lone opposing full-back in a 1v1, thus creating qualitative superiority. We can also create numerical superiority with the positioning of Jude Bellingham in the half-space, situationally creating 2v1 overloads on the right-side.
READ ALSO: Ajax 1995 Tactics: Van Gaal's Masterpiece in FM24
Nuanced, Vertical Build-up
A key part of Xabi Alonso's success at Bayer Leverkusen was their ability to build-up play. From build-up, they would prioritise shorter, vertical passes to try and progress the play quickly.
To achieve this, their players would often stagger their positions to create vertical triangles to progress play from. They would build-up using the 'keeper, forming a 4-2-3-1 formation with one of their back-three (typically the right centre-back) moving wider, allowing the wing-back on that side (usually Frimpong on the right) to move higher and wider.
The double-pivot within this situational 4-2-3-1 would stagger their positions, along with the two '10s' ahead of them, who'd stagger in accordance with the double-pivot's staggered positioning.
In my tactical concept, I've took this idea and essentially flipped it to suit the squad Real Madrid have, with the aim of creating a similar 4-2-3-1 build-up shape, although with a slight nuance; At Leverkusen, Frimpong would move into traditional 'right-winger' positions from build-up/goal-kicks, meaning he could pin an opposition full-back.
In my tactical concept, however, I didn't want Fran Garcia on the other side doing this, but instead holding a 'half-position' between the half-way line and a traditional full-back position. This creates separation in the opposition back-four, with the opposition right-back having to jump from the back-four to apply pressure onto Fran Garcia, should the Spaniard receive the ball.
This, in-turn, creates space in the left-channel for a player to exploit – perfect for Vinicius Jr. and his explosive pace. An example of the potential opening can be seen below, along with a comparable example of Frimpong's positioning at Real Madrid in relation to how that would be recreated at Real Madrid:
|
| Frimpong's positioning at Bayer 04 replicated with TAA at Real Madrid |
|
| Potential vertical opening my tactical concept creates |
- Yellow – Pass
- Blue – Player Run
- Black Box – Space Created
A similar opening can be created on the right-side with Rodrygo and Mbappé working in tandem to penetrate space created in the right channel, mainly using double-movements to create separation, as seen below:
|
| Potential opening created by my tactical concept |
- Yellow – Pass
- Blue – Player Run
- Black Box – Space Created
READ ALSO: Luis Enrique's Incredible PSG | FM24 Tactical Recreation (WINS THE QUADRUPLE)
Let's Break Down the Tactic
- [message]
- DISCLAIMER:
- Within the tactic file is a flipped, slight recreation of Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen if you'd rather use that instead, along with a 'Big Games Away' version.
In Possession
When Real Madrid have the ball, my tactical concept emphasises the idea of short, vertical passes with intent to penetrate. This intent begins from the defence, who are encouraged to build from the back. Shorter passes will allow us to retain possession and control the game, whilst the team instruction 'Pass Into Space' will allow us to penetrate any gaps in-behind the opposition.
When we have the ball, I want us to focus play centrally and utilize the staggered triangles we create with the midfield four – these staggered shapes centrally can be created in various ways as I want our players to be expressive and roam from their positions. Finally, when we reach the final third, I want to use Xabi Alonso's emphasis on patient probing into the box and low cut-backs to create high-xG chances.
In Transition
When we lose the ball, my tactical concept sees us counter-press aggressively to try and instantly regain possession. When we win it back, we'll look to spring devastating counter-attacks using our direct, quick attackers. Finally, from goal-kicks, I want Courtois to distribute shorter passes, however, he isn't to be restricted with options.
Out of Possession
When we don't have the ball, I'm not going to demand a super aggressive high-press as, well, it's a bit unrealistic considering the lack of defensive effort Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. tend to put in during games in real life, and I wanted to reflect that within FM.
Instead, we want to maintain a 'high-block', where we try and force the opposition into favourable positions using Opposition Instructions – taking inspiration from Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen, where they would often force the ball wide before trapping inside. From within this 'High-Block', our team are aggressive in duels as our defensive line compacts the space in midfield. We press with strategy.
READ ALSO: Nuno Espírito Santo's Fantastic Forest | FM24 Tactic
Player Roles
Sweeper Keeper – Support
In this position, I want Courtois to play out a similar role as Hrádecky has done under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen; Courtois can get involved in build-up, however, he won't sacrifice his position to get involved. When we don't have the ball, I want Courtois to be aggressive enough, but not overly risky. Therefore, I felt this role was most balanced. No additional instructions.
Ball-Playing Defender – Defend
In this position, I want the centre-back to hold a wider position and progress play from deep. He must be technically solid and tactically versatile, able to cover wide areas and defend centrally. Therefore, I felt this role was perfect, with the added instruction:
Central Defender – Defend
At Bayer Leverkusen under Alonso, Jonathan Tah was the central centre-back in the back-three, and his instructions were simple: Defend. In-possession, Tah would tend to play short, simple passes to retain possession. To balance the back-three at Real Madrid, I took this idea and implemented it in my tactical concept. Therefore, I felt this role was perfect. No additional instructions.
Wide Centre-Back – Support
As aforementioned, at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso positioned one of his back-three in a traditional full-back area from build-up to create a situational back-four. I wanted to adopt this idea and implement it at Real Madrid, and with Ferland Mendy being a traditional full-back, I felt he'd suit this role. From this position, I want him to make similar movements from build-up.
When he receives the ball, I want him to try and progress play with direct, risky passes into the wide channels for Vinicius Jr./Mbappé to chase, adding a bit of vertical unpredictability to our build-up. Finally, once we've established possession in the opposition's half, I don't want Mendy to move higher and, therefore, I have applied the 'Hold Position' instruction to his role.
Therefore, I felt this role was most optimal, with the added instructions:
Inverted Wing-Back – Support
In this position, I want Trent Alexander-Arnold to vacate the wider areas and move centrally. When he receives the ball, I want him to utilize his elite vision and passing ability to try and find the wide channels for one of our rapid wingers to chase the ball. Therefore, I felt this role was perfect, with the added instructions:
Wing-Back – Support
In this position, unlike what Alonso did with Frimpong at Bayer Leverkusen on the other side, I don't want my most advanced wing-back to be on/close to the halfway line. Instead, I want him to be in position to receive the ball and instantaneously play a direct, searching ball into the wide channel for Vini. Jr to chase. When we have the ball, I want Garcia to initially hold the width, before situationally cutting inside with the ball, allowing Vini. Jr to move wider – this adds unpredictability to our play.
Therefore, I felt this role was ideal, with the added instructions:
Segundo Volante – Attack
In this position, I want to accentuate Jude Bellingham's incredible ability to box-crash, whilst also giving him the tactical platform to show his all-round quality. When he receives the ball, I want him to drive the team up the pitch as his frame and carrying ability makes it very difficult for him to be stopped.
I also want him to try and create for his team-mates in the final third. When we reach the final-third, I want him to accommodate the right half-space, creating overloads with Rodrygo and (sometimes) Trent Alexander-Arnold. When we don't have the ball, I want Bellingham to be very aggressive in the duel and try to regain possession at any opportunity.
Therefore, I felt this role was perfect, with the added instructions:
Ball-Winning Midfielder – Support
In this position, I want Camavinga to be a 'water-carrier' who will balance our midfield and retain possession before offloading it to a more creative option. When we don't have the ball, I want him to be aggressive and combative, engaging in duels and moving higher at times to engage in the press.
Therefore, I felt this role was best, with the added instructions:
Winger – Support
In this position, I want Rodrygo to hold the width on the right-side. Despite this, I allow him to roam from his position at times to allow for positional rotation with team-mates. When Rodrygo receives the ball, I want him to be unpredictable in his dribbles, but emphasise getting the ball into cut-back areas. When we don't have the ball, I want Rodrygo to be aggressive in the tackle and move inside to retain a solid pentagon shape at the tip of the high-press.
Therefore, I felt this role was the most optimal, with the added instructions:
Attacking Midfielder – Support
In this position, I want Vini. Jr to be flexible in his movement. I want him to initially remain central before making penetrative runs out-wide. From here, I want Vini. Jr to use his pace, trickery and directness to run at the opposing defender. As with Rodrygo, I want Vini. Jr to roam from his position and rotate with team-mates.
Therefore, I felt this role was suitable, with the added instructions:
Complete Forward – Attack
In this position, I want Mbappé to showcase the abilities that make him one of the best in the world. I want him to be able to situationally drop deeper to receive before laying off a shorter pass and making an unstoppable run in-behind, becoming very unpredictable and difficult to stop.
Therefore, I felt this role was perfect, with the added instruction:
READ ALSO: FM24 Arne Slot Liverpool Tactic – Quadruple-Winning Recreation
Opposition Instructions
Make sure to use these Opposition Instructions against any opponent.
Results
Due to the results in testing being so unbelievable, I felt the need to do a second test to make sure I didn't have a fluke season. Spoiler alert: I didn't.
La Liga
In La Liga, we were historically good as we won the league, not only unbeaten but, with a 100% win rate, winning all 38 league games! In our 38 league games, we scored a whopping 126 goals (3.31 goals per game), whilst only conceding 16 goals (0.42 goals per game). Staggering.
This exceptional performance prompted a second test, where we won the league again, unbeaten, but this time with two draws. Our Goals For and Goals Against metrics were even more impressive as, this time, we scored 143 goals (3.76 goals per game) and conceded just 12 goals (0.31 goals per game).
Both season's tables can be seen below:
Domestic Cups
In the first test, we'd end up winning the Supercopa de España with a 0-3 win over Athletic Bilbao in the final, however, we would go on to lose the Copa del Rey Final on penalties following a 0-0 draw against Barcelona.
In the second test, we'd end up winning both competitions with a 0-2 win over Barcelona to win the Supercopa de España and a 0-1 win over Athletic Bilbao to win the Copa del Rey.
UEFA Competitions
In both tests, we won the season's European curtain raiser against Atalanta by beating La Dea 1-4! In both tests, we'd also go on to win the UEFA Champions League! In the first test, Arsenal were swept away 0-4 in the final.
On our way to the final, we overcame the challenges of Barcelona (1-4 AGG), Bayer Leverkusen (1-7 AGG) and Man City (3-2 AGG). In the second test, we beat English opposition in the final again as a fantastic first-half helped us to a 2-1 win against familiar opposition in the final, Liverpool.
On our way to the final, we overcame the challenges of Inter Milan (3-2 AGG), Barcelona (2-6 AGG) and 2024 Champions League Finalists Borussia Dortmund (3-1 AGG).
READ NEXT: FM24 Treble-Winning Tactic – Antonio Conte's Napoli
Conclusion
Only time will tell whether Xabi Alonso's time at Real Madrid will be a success. However, if his time at Bayer Leverkusen is anything to go off, Madridistas can feel cautiously optimistic for the future under their former midfield maestro.
If you want a taste of this outstanding tactic, make sure to download the tactic using the link attached to this article and follow FM Blog and myself (@AshtonGgmu) on our respective socials.
I hope you have enjoyed this article, and I wish you much success with this tactic on your saves!
Thanks for reading!
