Club World Cup to offer first Real test for Alonso

"We have to get everything we can out of them — I have ideas," said Alonso earlier this month.

"I am thinking about how to make a balanced team... (and create) a stability that will allow individual qualities to flourish."

Madrid's soccer under Ancelotti was often criticized, much to the Italian's chagrin, and Alonso said he wants his team to excite the fans.

"We want an ambitious and attractive game, knowing how to take the initiative, and we have the players for it," he added. "I want a team that transmits emotion, energy, ambitious play and connects with the fans."

Alexander-Arnold's supreme passing range may help Madrid overcome the absence of Toni Kroos, who left last summer, while Croatian veteran Luka Modric will play his final matches for the club.

Leaving with a trophy would be an appropriate farewell for one of the game's modern greats, while record 15-time European Cup winner Madrid would also take pride in being the first team to win the expanded Club World Cup.

AFP