Real Madrid: 5 burning questions from a lethargic loss to Levante

Will the midfield finally get some help?

There are so many aspects of Real Madrid’s squad that deserve harsh criticism, but the midfield is the only area that hasn’t been a consistent problem. Defensively, Real made major mistakes against Levante, including Eder Militao’s early red card and the multiple errors from the fullbacks. Offensively, Real’s forwards, with the exception of goal-scorer Marco Asensio, were either anonymous to start the match or flat-out atrocious off the bench.

But the midfield was extraordinary. Casemiro, per WhoScored.com, recorded a jaw-dropping seven tackles. Without him, Raphael Varane, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as the stars of this Sergio Ramos-less defense, Real Madrid might have allowed four goals in this one.

Luka Modric was as good as ever. I mean, when does this guy ever have a bad game? And Toni Kroos was the Man of the Match for the losers. He didn’t deserve to be on the losing side with the passes he was making, including his gorgeous assist for Asensio that beat the entire defense from his own half of the pitch.

Real Madrid’s midfield trio is the world’s best, but the fact that Los Blancos are still struggling should tell you all you need to know about how inconsistent the defense and front three have been in 2020-2021.