Real Madrid: 3 things we’ve learned about the defense this season
Lack of depth
All the issues that the defenders at the club are fixable with time and experience. David Alaba brings the experience while Eder Militao is capable of so much and we can see him improving with each passing game as his ceiling is insanely high. Ferland Mendy has his issues but he’s solid for the most part while Dani Carvajal’s injuries are a problem but when he plays, you simply cannot stop smiling. However, the biggest issue with the club is the lack of depth and we have seen it bring problems already this season.
On the right, Carvajal’s the only natural right-back in the team. Yes, Lucas Vazquez or Nacho Fernandez can play there but aside from them not being as reliable as Carvajal, this is not their natural position. Nacho’s versatility allows him to play there, but we don’t see him as effective as he is as a center-back where there are only four center-backs in the team in total. Alaba and Militao are starters while Nacho is definitely a great option off the bench. Jesus Vallejo is in the squad but he has not played yet and the fears we had initially about him not being up to the standards of the team seem to be true.
On the left, Mendy is the current starter but can we say we’re satisfied with the backup options? In my opinion, yes. Marcelo is a club legend who is probably playing his last season for the club and he’s the captain. However, he isn’t the player that he once was and therefore, we also can rely on Miguel Gutierrez. The youngster has impressed overall this season but naturally, he has a lot to learn which he can only do when he’s on the pitch. But, he’s good and can be very good in the future. Alaba is able to play at left-back when required but don’t expect to see that very often.
Real Madrid need a defender who can safely be a backup on the right for sure. Alvaro Odriozola will be returning at the end of the season but he was never a regular for the club. However, he has been impressive with Fiorentina and his performances suggest that we may see him given another chance. In the center, Nacho isn’t getting any younger and the club will need to think of a player that can come in and slowly make his mark on the team and eventually take over once Alaba leaves in a few years. A similar situation to Raphael Varane’s road at the club.
dark. Next. Real Madrid: Three rotational changes Carlo Ancelotti should make more often
A big summer is expected but until then, a lot needs to change with the defending at the club especially with the huge amount of games and the fact that things will only continue to get more difficult from here onwards as we quickly move towards the second half of the season.