But listen to the way Xabi Alonso spoke about Alex Grimaldo throughout Bayer Leverkusen’s invincible title-winning season — when he provided 10 goals and 13 assists in the Bundesliga from his high-flying wing-back role — and it would be fair to assume that the Spaniard was top of the class.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso believes that more signings are necessary in order to compete at the top level next season, following the opening six games of his tenure. The Basque coach noted that

Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has backed new head coach Xabi Alonso to make "big changes" at the club, saying that he won't be afraid to drop anyone.