Former boss Carlo Ancelotti often hinted at issues with Mbappé and Vinicius’s work rate last season and the humbling 4–0 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinal has left many believing the same problems remain under Alonso.

Madrid's tournament ended in the semi-final with some of their most high-profile players misfiring even if the youngsters took their chance

Borussia Dortmund hope that their Club World Cup adventure will be a stepping stone towards better results in the future. Dortmund have generated more then €100 million ($118 million) from income at the tournament in the United States as well as the sale of players over the past weeks,