Xabi: Illarramendi Real Madrid's future

Xabi Alonso has declared Asier Illarramendi as the future of Real Madrid.

The midfielder had a disrupted first season at Real due to injury.

But teammate Xabi told Marca: "Illarra is the future. This is his first year, with big changes. It's a giant leap for him."

"I have no doubts about him. Real is like a bull and you have to be ready for it, and Asier will be."