Real Madrid: 3 serious causes of concern in the squad ahead of the 2021-22 season

Real Madrid’s pre-season training is in full swing under Carlo Ancelotti. The players have been working hard and are being tested to their physical limits under the fitness coach, Antonio Pintus. Ancelotti has a lot of pressure on his shoulders to deliver at Real Madrid as the new season approaches.

There has not been munch transfer activity yet at the Spanish capital apart from Sergio Ramos’ departure to Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent and the signing of David Alaba from Bayern Munich on a free transfer as well.

Apart from the possible signing of Kylian Mbappe, Carlo Ancelotti is not expected to receive much support in the transfer market. Whether or not Mbappe signs for Real Madrid this summer, there are still three serious issues in the squad that need to be addressed. Let’s start with the first one.

THE RIGHT FLANK AT REAL MADRID

The right-wing and the right-back position are two major causes of concern. Let’s address the right-wing first. Last season, Marco Asensio majorly underperformed barring a string of impressive performances that did not last too long. Rodrygo Goes was impressive but an early major injury ruined his season.

Gareth Bale is back in the squad and is expected to play out his final season, although Bale had a decent individual campaign with Tottenham Hotspur and Wales, Hridyam Arora makes the case that the Welshman is past his best and might struggle next season to deliver the goods.

With that being said, the right-wing looks pretty ineffective at the moment. All hopes will be pinned on Bale and Rodrygo to turn up next season.

Now coming to the right-back position, Los Blancos arguably have one of the best right-backs in the world, Dani Carvajal. The Spaniard is a complete full-back who is effective on both ends of the pitch, however, he has endured a rough time for the past couple of seasons, mainly due to injuries.

With Carvajal hopping in and out from the first team due to injuries, the pressure mounts up on Alvaro Odriozola who has also been sub-par. The next best choice is Lucas Vazquez who played tremendously well as a right-back but once again it would be unwise to depend on Vazquez to be the second choice right-back for an entire season as that is not his natural position.