Xabi Alonso lets free‑kick call be made on the pitch ahead of Anfield showdown

On the eve of a blockbuster European night at Anfield, Xabi Alonso confirmed that free‑kick duties will not be preassigned: players on the pitch will decide from several specialists available. The remark immediately ignited debate among supporters over who should step up in decisive moments. Suggestions ranged from Rodrygo and David Alaba’s technique, to Vinícius Júnior’s confidence and Arda Güler’s ball‑striking, while Liverpool’s Trent Alexander‑Arnold was widely tipped as the rival’s prime threat. With reports hinting at an unchanged ‘Clásico’ XI, set‑pieces could prove pivotal in a tie where margins are razor‑thin.

Speaking during pre‑match media duties ahead of a UEFA Champions League trip to Anfield, Xabi Alonso addressed direct free‑kick responsibility and emphasized player autonomy, noting there are multiple specialists and the final decision will be taken on the field. Preparations have included focused work on restarts and second phases. Local reports indicate the staff could maintain continuity with the same lineup used in the recent Clásico, reinforcing rhythm and balance. The build‑up among supporters has centered on right‑ vs left‑footed angles and who best handles pressure under Anfield’s lights.

🗣 Xabi Alonso: "Free kick takers? We have several takers, but the players have to decide. There are several options."

@MadridXtra

Impact Analysis

Alonso’s decision to empower players at the moment of execution has clear strategic and psychological implications. From a tactical standpoint, a fluid hierarchy prevents predictability: opponents cannot pre‑load their wall alignment or anticipate which footed profile will strike. It also encourages rapid, context‑led decisions—who feels the strike, which angle the goalkeeper is showing, and whether a disguised pass or layoff is on.

For his side, the shortlist naturally spans a mix of techniques. Rodrygo’s whip from 18–25 meters and ability to get the ball up and down over the wall gives him central‑zone appeal. David Alaba, a proven left‑foot from range and tight angles, offers variety on the goalkeeper’s far side. Vinícius Júnior is less frequent from direct positions but can threaten with quick restarts and rehearsed routines. Arda Güler adds pure ball‑striking and deception, ideal for late‑game set‑piece moments.

Across the halfway line, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander‑Arnold remains one of Europe’s premier dead‑ball threats, shaping the wall and forcing keepers into early commits. The duel therefore extends beyond open play: minimizing cheap fouls in zone 14 and managing second balls after blocked efforts will be decisive. Ultimately, Alonso’s stance cultivates ownership among takers while preserving tactical opacity, a valuable edge in a venue where details decide outcomes.

Reaction

Fan discourse split into two distinct currents: pragmatic set‑piece talk and the lighter theatre of a big European night. A vocal group insisted Trent Alexander‑Arnold should dominate the dead‑ball narrative from Liverpool’s side, citing his technique and consistency. Others pushed a Madrid‑centric rotation—Rodrygo from central spots, Alaba for left‑footed range, with Vinícius or Arda ready for rehearsed routines. One segment lamented the lack of elite free‑kick conversion in recent seasons, arguing that, beyond Alaba, reliability has fluctuated.

There were also calls for youth and flair, with Arda’s precision frequently highlighted and even future‑facing mentions of Mastantuono as a long‑term weapon. A separate thread focused on potential continuity from the Clásico lineup, reading it as a sign of trust in rhythm and chemistry. Amid the tactical chatter, lighthearted notes—like compliments on Alonso’s touchline style—captured matchday buzz. Overall, the comments reveal equal parts anxiety and excitement: respect for Trent’s threat, belief in Madrid’s varied options, and an acceptance that at Anfield, one set piece can swing the tie.

Social reactions

Not to be sentimental, Rodrygo is the best freekick taker in the team

Kalvin of web3 (@kalvinweb3)

Adra, Alaba, Rodrygo, Trent, Kylian, valavard 🚀

OLAYIMIKA💛🤠💀 (@whikai999)

He is talking so mix sense

Raj Chauhan (@Raj_Chauhan45)

Prediction

If the match state is cagey, expect a pragmatic split of duties: Rodrygo on central and slightly left‑of‑center strikes, Alaba on right‑of‑center and longer left‑footed angles, with Arda introduced late to exploit tired legs and a moved wall. Quick touches and disguised lay‑offs could be prioritized over raw power given Anfield’s charged atmosphere and the likelihood of tightly set walls.

For Liverpool, if Alexander‑Arnold starts, he will command most direct efforts from 18–28 meters, especially from right‑of‑center lanes. Expect layered screens and rebound traps to capitalize on second balls. Should he not start or be closely managed, look for alternative patterns—short routines to shift shooting lanes or a switch to in‑swingers attacking the back post.

In scenario planning: (1) Early goal—conservative selection, with senior takers favoring safety over audacity; (2) Deadlock past 70’—higher variance, green‑lighting Arda’s finesse or Rodrygo’s whip; (3) Chasing the game—aggressive wall‑manipulation and rehearsed decoys to open the keeper’s blind side. Margins remain fine, but discipline around zone‑14 fouls may ultimately decide who leaves Anfield in control.

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Conclusion

Alonso’s message is clear: autonomy at the dead ball, responsibility shared by specialists who read the moment. It’s a philosophy that marries trust with tactical ambiguity, denying opponents a fixed tell and empowering the player who feels the strike. With Rodrygo, Alaba, Vinícius and Arda offering a palette of profiles—and Trent shaping Liverpool’s threat—the set‑piece duel is poised to be as influential as any tactical wrinkle in open play.

Retaining continuity from a successful Clásico lineup would reinforce rhythm, while the staff’s set‑piece emphasis hints at a contest decided by inches and habits rehearsed behind closed doors. Whether through a deft whip over the wall, a disguised layoff, or a far‑post trap on a blocked shot, the edge will belong to the side that marries precision with poise. Under the Anfield floodlights, one flawless contact could be the night’s defining signature.