Xabi Alonso defended his strange team selection and tactical choice following Sunday’s frustrating 2–2 draw against Elche in La Liga, setting up in a new formation and starting with Vinícius Júnior, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga on the bench.
Alonso opted to line up in an uncharacteristic 3-4-1-2 for the trip to Spain’s south east coast, due to multiple defensive injuries and several players racking up miles on international duty.
