Alonso pleased to play in direct Real style
Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso has expressed his preference for his team's direct style of play, compared to that of possession football used by rivals Barcelona.
By FOX SPORTS staff
Despite trailing Barcelona by 16 points in the La Liga table, Real Madrid managed to eliminate the Catalan side in the teams' Copa Del Rey semi-final tie, winning 4-2 on aggregate.
Alonso told UEFA's Champions Magazine that Los Blancos' quick, direct style was the reason for the success achieved over Tito Vilanova's men.
"At Madrid we are a team of very quick changes, with deep vertical passing that creates many chances, we don’t want to keep possession for the sake of keeping possession, and we always have a clear objective, which is reaching the box," he explained.
"That works well with the players we have in attack, who are good at putting opponents off balance and finding the goal."
The Spaniard was also of the opinion that it was not necessary for midfielders to take too many touches on the ball.
"A central midfielder can never shy away, and has to be focused and play at a consistent level over the 90 minutes. You can’t lose concentration," Alonso stated.
"A midfielder should touch the ball as little as possible, he should circulate it from one place to the next, from defence to attack and from left to right."
An El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona is scheduled to take place this Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu.