Real Madrid: 3 Biggest Challenges in winning Champions League 2022/23

1. Inexperience in the squad:

This might be a little controversial and I know that many of you might not agree with it, but I believe that the squad is a bit inexperienced.

The defence is top-notch, and the inexperience point doesn’t apply here, except for Eder Militao. The Brazilian has earned Carlo Ancelotti’s trust to start games regularly, but the youngster is pretty clumsy. If put under pressure, Eder Militao tends to make mistakes regularly, and too big ones. Despite being a standout in the UEFA Champions League final last season, Eder Militao will still need a lot of experience to live up to the expectations and to grow up to his potential. Most of his mistakes have come against easy opponents because of losing focus. But that does raises questions about his professionalism and how he undermines the opponents. On the contrary you would expect a defender to always give his 100% in a game. Put all of his focus on the game, just like Nacho. The Spaniard doesn’t play much regularly, but he is always focus and conservative with his approach, gearing up while assuming the worst to happen. This is something Eder Militao can learn from the experienced defender.

Coming on to the midfield, it is a little different than last season. Real Madrid lost two of its experienced midfielders- Carlos Casemiro and Isco. Isco did not have much involvement, but even a small cameo from an experienced player counts. And Casemiro? The undoubted starter and the one who is most difficult to replace? Aurélien Tchouaméni is considered a great replacement for the Brazilian and I believe so. But the Frenchman is just 22 years old with almost no experience in the said competition. Not to mention, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are pretty young too. Valverde may handle the pressure of responsibility well, but I don’t think it will be easier for Camavinga. He managed the last season well when his main duty was to provide a high work rate against tiring opposition, but this year we can expect him to start.

And the attack. Probably the most doubtful part of the Real Madrid squad for the season. With all the opportunities that Vinicius Junior has received these past few seasons and how he has performed against top opponents, I would count him as an experienced player. But I can’t say the same for Rodrygo. He may have had a great last season, but most of it came from the bench or as a starter on the left wing. He is yet to prove himself as a starter at the right wing. The problem of not having a backup striker is also a big one, and even if we expect Eden Hazard or Marco Asensio or Rodrygo to back up Karim Benzema, none of them has that experience in that role.

All-in-all Real Madrid is one of the favourites to win this competition just like every time, but it will not be easy for them with the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.