"I'm Winston Wolfe; I solve problems". These legendary lines uttered by Harvey Keitel's character in 'Pulp Fiction' could just have easily come out of Xabi Alonso's mouth when he met Ancelotti on the first day after his injury. For Alonso has landed at Ancelotti's feet like veritable manna from heaven. Ever since Xabi came back from injury, Real Madrid's plans have worked out; everything seems to make sense; all the players around him look good and the results have taken off.
A good example of this came in the first half of the game against Real Sociedad on Saturday afternoon. With Xabi at the base of the midfield triangle, Madrid was able to bring the ball out much more smoothly, and Modric was freed up for his more creative duties, supplying balls to the forwards, while Khedira was a kind of attack dog, pressuring and running everywhere. Everyone at his task, all in harmony and 4-0 on the scoreboard before half-time.
Early gift
For the Real Madrid fans, Xabi's return is like an early Christmas present. On the pitch he is a coach. A teacher, as Ancelotti says. He gives a footballing lesson with every move, and it is a delight to watch him alongside his disciple, Illarramendi.
For the Real Madrid fans, Xabi's return is like an early Christmas present. On the pitch he is a coach. A teacher, as Ancelotti says. He gives a footballing lesson with every move, and it is a delight to watch him alongside his disciple, Illarramendi.
In 232 minutes of play this season, Xabi has completed 137 passes, misplacing just 21. But beyond the hard facts, there are sensations. One gets the impression that the whole team receives vibrations from him on the pitch. A feeling of calm always helps a side play better, and it is in recent games that this has been provided by Xabi Alonso.
Xabi is the player who knits the 4-3-3 system together, and so it is not expected that Ancelotti will drop him from the team unless he absolutely needs to rest because of his recent injury. With him, the good results have returned.
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