Real Madrid: Reinier needs this tactical wrinkle at his next loan

As Reinier continues to receive minuscule minutes at Borussia Dortmund, Madridistas will turn their attention to the attacking player’s next loan move. The Real Madrid prospect already has interest from Benfica, and, surely, clubs in competitive situations with a spot for Reinier will have plenty of interest in a player who joined Los Blancos straight-up for 30 million euros in the January 2020 market.

Although some fans have already given up on Reinier two years after his move from Flamengo, the reality is that Reinier is an extremely talented player. His situation at Dortmund is outright baffling, and while his loan to the Black and Yellows has been an utter failure, that is not necessarily an indictment on his quality. After all, it says something that Dortmund wanted him on loan after just a few matches for Castilla.

Reinier needs to go somewhere he can play consistently. That’s obvious, right? But secondarily to the minutes, Reinier needs a loan move to a team that uses a No. 9 similar to the way Real Madrid use a No. 9. Because that’s the best position for the Brazilian stylistically.

Although Reinier is listed as an attacking midfielder by most websites, if you watched him play at Castilla, you’ll quickly see that he plays as more of a false nine. He likes being the center of attention and linking up play with everyone, but moreso in a way that is active vs. someone who drifts out and comes in to make the key pass. He is more of a Karim Benzema than a Mesut Ozil, if we were to make very, very loose stylistic role comparisons to well-known Real Madrid players.

Reinier could be a backup striker for Real Madrid one day

Reinier is not your prototypical attacking midfielder in terms of size, as he is 6’1″ and does play like it in terms of his strength to hold people off. Benzema, interestingly enough, is also 6’1″ and, despite his lithe frame, very good at holding away defenders.

A strong, tall, and technical player, Reinier has a lot of very intriguing traits to Real Madrid that suggest versatility and an ability to fill an important role in the rotation. With Luka Jovic’s future uncertain, Reinier could one day be a key backup striker/false nine for Real Madrid. He can also be a part of the picture in the attacking midfield or in different tactical setups up top.

By moving to a team that uses a false nine or at least a striker who is encouraged to drop deep and connect with the other attackers, Reinier can get key minutes in a directly translatable role to Real Madrid. Given that his next loan destination should be in a competitive league, Reinier would get high-quality minutes in this role, and Real would get a much better opportunity to evaluate a player who was a significant investment. It is too early to give up on him, especially since he is nowhere near the value Real could get from him if they wait until he has a successful loan spell.

Madridistas should keep an eye on the teams that show interest in Reinier, as well as reports on their plans for the 19-year-old. In the right situation and the position that truly suits him, he could be a breakout star.