Xabi Alonso confident he can get Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe firing together as Real Madrid boss 'impressed' by Brazil star's defensive work

The French forward has not yet featured under the new coach at the Club World Cup after being hospitalised with gastroenteritis. He could only watch on from the sidelines as Vinicius provided a goal and assist - including a stunning backheel - in Madrid’s 3-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg to ensure they finished top of their group and progress to the round of 16.

Appointed as Madrid manager ahead of the Club World Cup, Alonso has already started reshaping the attack. He said after the game that plans to pair Vinicius and Mbappe in a dynamic yet interchangeable setup. Vinicius's defensive work was also given attention, with the Spanish manager noting the Brazilian's commitment to tracking back and staying involved defensively.

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Asked about the prospect of the pair playing together on Mbappe's return, Alonso told reporters: "They can do it, Vini from the outside, Kylian from the inside... it's not mutually exclusive, things can work, there's individual quality, but we need the team to function. All together, not one, one, one... We want [Mbappe] back, we expect him to be in the best possible shape. I can't say he'll play, but we're optimistic for Tuesday."

Discussing Vinicius' backheel, Alonso said: "I'm not just impressed by the goal and the assist. I'm impressed by his defensive commitment. It's allowed us to play together. In attack, he's had more freedom in the center and not wide. Gonzalo makes the center-backs work. I'm happy for Vini; it's good to have a good feeling . We have to keep going; there's still a long way to go."

Madrid will face Juventus in the Club World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday in Miami. If Mbappe recovers in time, he is expected to start alongside Vinícius and Jude Bellingham. A win would send Los Blancos into the quarter-finals, keeping their bid for the international title alive.