Xabi Alonso Praises Dani Carvajal’s Leadership and Influence at Real Madrid

Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal has received high praise from head coach Xabi Alonso, who highlighted the defender’s competitive spirit and vital role in the team’s success as they enter a new season with renewed ambitions.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Xabi Alonso has spoken about Dani Carvajal’s unwavering commitment and leadership qualities, stating: “Dani Carvajal and his competitive genes never changed. His maturity, his weight in the team, he is the captain. His teammates respect him a lot. He is very important, he is a leader. He is fundamental.” Following the departure of long-serving club legends like Luka Modrić and Lucas Vazquez, Carvajal, who missed much of last season due to a serious knee injury, was made captain of Real Madrid for the 2025/26 campaign. This decision reflects both Carvajal’s history at the club and how much he is respected by his peers and manager.

WHY CARVAJAL MATTERS NOW

However, an ACL injury ruled him out for the rest of the season. His comeback for the new season marks a new era, as Real Madrid turned to emerging leaders with Carvajal now wearing the armband and Fede Valverde, Thibaut Courtois, and Vinícius Júnior supporting him. Carvajal’s leadership is viewed as a stabilizing force for a squad adjusting to change at the top. The Spain international, who was also part of the Euro 2024-winning squad and scored the decisive penalty in the 2023 Nations League final, brings invaluable experience at a time when Real are seeking to stay ahead in both Spain and Europe.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Real Madrid started the 2025/26 LaLiga season with a 100% winning record, with 4 wins from 4 matches and are currently 2 points ahead of Barcelona. Last season, they finished as runner-ups, four points behind Barcelona. Carvajal’s return to the starting lineup is expected to help maintain high standards in defense and morale. Their next opponents, Espanyol, ended last season near the relegation spots but is currently in 6th place, with 7 points from three matches. Notably, Real Madrid has won four matches out of four this season, maintaining a perfect La Liga record and currently leading the standings two points ahead of their rivals Barcelona according to recent reports. The leadership group led by Carvajal will be crucial as Real Madrid balance domestic challenges and a strong push in Europe, with rivals close behind them in the standings and every point in the early weeks important for momentum.