Carreras Emerges as Real Madrid's Top Left-Back as Mendy Faces Uncertain Future

In the current 2025-26 season, Alvaro Carreras has silently taken over as Real Madrid's top-placed left-back option under the management of Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard has seemingly become an irreplaceable figure in Alonso's plans.

Meanwhile, Fran Garcia, who served as Ferland Mendy's deputy last season, has now established himself as the team's second-placed option in the left-back position. Garcia has proven to be a reliable option for Alonso.

The biggest loser in this situation is Ferland Mendy, who was Real Madrid's de facto starter in the left-back role a year ago. Mendy has been sidelined due to injury since last season's Copa del Rey final and is yet to make his debut under Alonso, despite returning to the squad against Juventus.

According to reports, Mendy knows that it is now impossible for him to reclaim his position as Real Madrid's starting left-back. With Carreras and Garcia firmly entrenched in the roles, there is no scope for Mendy to fight for his place back. As a result, Alonso has identified a new role for Mendy - as a central defender.

In a recent friendly game against the Castilla side, Alonso deployed Mendy as a central defender, a move that caught the attention of fans and the media. With Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao currently the team's natural starters in the center-back position, and Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Raul Asencio as backups, Mendy may be given minutes in the center-back role in the coming games to solidify his stance and earn the manager's favor.