The Real Betis Match Revealed A Lot About Real Madrid

Full Backs Are Defenders After All

Though this may seem like complete nonsense, it seems to me like a really handy solution. Here’s why.

In the 21st century, full backs have become integral to providing width during the attack. This comes at a price though. With the full backs so high up, there needs to be cover for them. Normally this cover comes in the form of defensive/central midfielders. However, in Real Madrid’s case, things might be a little bit different.

James and Isco are brilliant at both cutting inside and playing from out wide. Why let them cut inside all the time?

Assuming the team plays with a front four of Bale and Ronaldo in the center with James and Isco on the wings, do both full backs need to get to the final third in every attack?

I believe one full back could be enough on many occasions. Here is an example of this idea:

1. One full back goes up to the final third, while the corresponding winger either drops to the midfield or goes into the box to snatch a cross.
2. The other full back limits his forward movement to the middle third of the pitch, while his corresponding winger either moves into the box to overload the penalty area or stays in his wing to keep the opposition defense stretched.

Another alternative:

1. The winger stays at his wing to stretch the defense, while his corresponding full back supports him. The full back would try to limit his movement to the middle third.
2. The other winger cuts inside, with his corresponding full back advancing to the final third to stretch the defense from his side.

The main idea behind this is to be able to form a back three near immediately. The advanced full back would have recovery from a central defender. Also in the worst condition of a team countering with a front three (like FC Barcelona’s MSN) Los Blancos would end with a 1-on-1 man marking. Only an opposition with really pacey midfielders would be capable of outnumbering Real’s defense on the counters.

Also keep in mind that with such tactic, Kroos would be able to advance even higher up the pitch. The team sacrifices some offensive output by keeping one full back chained. Nonetheless, it’s made up for by Kroos’s extra forward movement.