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.

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.

In a recent update from Fichajes, it has been revealed that Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has personally requested the signing of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios. With Luka Modric