The start of Real Madrid's new era came with a painful defeat - but manager Xabi Alonso has the chance of a lifetime with his former club.

Cristiano Ronaldo's side, Al Nassr, will get their Saudi Pro League season on August 29, but could they have a former Real Madrid teammate of Ronaldo at the club by then?

In response, club president Florentino Perez hired Alonso and sanctioned around €180million (£155m; $210.5m) to be spent on new players, including defenders Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Trent Alexander-Arnold, along with exciting young Argentine playmaker Franco Mastantuono.

As Real Madrid's new manager, Xabi Alonso will soon be exposed to the eccentricities of LaLiga refereeing. One thing's for certain: Alonso won't be afraid to speak out when he feels it is necessary.

Franco Mastantuono officially began his Real Madrid journey on August 14, his 18th birthday. Presented by Florentino Pérez at Valdebebas, the Argentine midfielder quickly joined training under Xabi Alonso.

MADRID — Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has praised the maturity of teenager newcomer Franco Mastantuono and downplayed the player's choice of former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi as the world's best player.

Xabi Alonso is not afraid of introducing young players to his squad if they have shown they have the talent to bring something extra to the team. The Real Madri