Real Madrid: 3 biggest strengths of the squad prior to 2021/22
By Sudhir Salvi
DEFENSIVE SOLIDITY
Although last season did not yield a single piece of silverware, one of the most important takeaways was that the team is defensively solid and proves to be a tough nut to crack. Besides an aberration at Stamford Bridge wherein half the squad was struggling with fitness, Los Blancos did extremely well at keeping opponents at bay in an injury crippled season, particularly at the end.
Eder Militao and Nacho Fernandez were particularly magnificent despite having few opportunities. In a space of one week, they secured two wins and a draw against Barcelona and Liverpool during April when Ramos and Varane were both injured. Not to mention, Los Blancos also have perhaps the world’s best goalkeeper at the moment, Thibaut Courtois.
Los Blancos will be a defensively brilliant unit regardless of whether Varane stays or not as they boast significant quality. Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal are outstanding defensively too, whereas Alaba is an experienced player as well. Marcelo may be the only weak link amongst defenders, but rest assured, Ancelotti will manage to find a solution for the Brazilian’s weakness.
If Real Madrid don’t sign Mbappe or Haaland this summer, there is a possibility that they look to cover the holes in the squad by making a defensive addition- which could well be Jules Kounde.