3 overlooked needs Real Madrid must address

Everyone knows that Real Madrid need more superstars, a defensive midfielder to help Casemiro, and right back depth. That’s why the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Aurelien Tchouameni, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, and Pedro Porro have been mentioned as possible transfer options for Los Blancos in 2022.

But Real have a few other needs in their squad that are going overlooked. These are areas of weakness that may not hurt the team at first, but in the path to a Champions League title, they are weaknesses that can be exploited by the right opponents – or with the “right” mix of injuries and absences.

A modern-day playmaker

Real Madrid used to have a wealth of playmaking depth. At one point, they had two excellent playmakers in Isco and James Rodriguez, who could use their right and left foots respectively to score and assist.

Nowadays, the 10 role or even the stagnant inverted playmaker on the wing cannot work against top teams. Players who can carry the ball, stretch defenses, and provide that same threat off the dribble to create scoring chances for themselves and teammates are all the rage.

That’s probably why Real Madrid have an interest in Florian Wirtz, who is a teenage sensation for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. The 18-year-old already has 7 goals and 10 assists for his club, but he offers so much more beyond that.

Do Real have to wait until 2023 to break the bank for one of the best young players in football? Maybe not. Because if Takefusa Kubo’s development goes well, the loanee at Mallorca could be an option. Lately, he has been class in LaLiga, giving Madridistas hope that the Japanese international can be a first-team solution soon.

Christopher Nkunku, another Bundesliga starlet in the midst of a world-class campaign, is yet another option. No matter the direction Real Madrid choose to go in, they need someone who can provide end product, an attacking spark, and still bring an all-around game to the table. Nkunku might even be the best option in that case, with his versatility being a huge selling point. He can play just about any attacking position on the pitch.