Marca: Alonso tried to use Ferland Mendy as a central defender in training

The Spanish media "Marca" reported that Alonso tried to use Ferland Mendy as a central defender in training.

Real Madrid has begun preparations for the game against Rayo Vallecano. Head coach Alonso arranged an internal friendly match with Castilla yesterday to test some tactical arrangements, not only for the upcoming game, but also for some future plans.

One of the most notable decisions was to place Ferland Mendy at centre-back. It would be a surprising choice if he were to feature in the starting XI, but it's a possibility Alonso wants to look into. Mendy was almost always a fixture at left-back during Ancelotti's time, even after he returned from injury. However, Carreras is now the main man in this position, with Fran Garcia as his backup.

Alonso is trying to carve out a new path for Ferland Mendy, although he has occasionally played at centre-back. It won't be easy for Ferland Mendy, though, as Militao is a regular starter and his partner Huizen struggled against Liverpool. Raul Asensio and Rudiger are the other options ahead of him at the moment, unless through training and possibly a few minutes in games Ferland Mendy can convince the coach that he is a reliable option.

Ferland Mendy suffered a serious injury in the King's Cup final against Barcelona in April last year and required surgery. He then returned to the team on October 14. He returned to the squad six months later for a Champions League game against Juventus and has been on the bench four times, but has yet to make his debut under Alonso.

Fran Garcia may be a surprise choice in the starting lineup against Rayo Vallecano. Carreras has been on the field for almost every game, so Alonso may give him a chance to rest and give Fran Garcia a chance to face his old team.