Real Madrid: 3 biggest strengths and weaknesses of the squad in 2022/23
Let us begin by identifying the strengths:
1. Significant midfield and defensive depth
Real Madrid has done an excellent job of strengthening the squad’s midfield and defence by adding substantial depth, allowing the management to examine and experiment with many alternatives in both areas.
The additions of Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni have been successful from the start of the season, and the players will only improve as they settle in. Despite the fact that the summer transfer window was confined to only their signings, they made the most of it.
Real Madrid’s midfield appears to be loaded with really skilled players. The midfield is a wonderful combination of experienced players who have accomplished everything with the club and young guns who are expected to set the groundwork for Madrid’s next generation of stars.
Ancelotti has adequate defensive depth with the likes of David Alaba, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho, Jesus Vallejo, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez, and Alvaro Odriozola to not worry about injuries and guarantee there is enough of covering and stability at the back.
The squad depth available is the greatest, and maybe most underappreciated, benefit of this squad, which might produce fruit in no time.
2. The right wing is no longer ineffective
Last season, the right wing was a major point of concern and a continual source of alarm and debate. Under Marco Asensio’s command, the flank made little to no contribution and seemed to be anything but productive.
Except for several uneven performances against lower-level teams, the Spaniard scored no notable goals. He also couldn’t provide any creative assistance. He was simply there, with no major assistance.
Fortunately, Ancelotti was not late in seeing this, but it took him until towards the end of last season to find a replacement in Fede Valverde, who took over the side with vigor. Despite being a natural midfielder, the player proved to be more effective than Asensio, and this trait has continued over into this season.
Not only that, but Rodrygo, who was promising but inconsistent up until last season, has finally begun to give substantial performances from the right wing this season, and the goals are now rolling in.
It is reasonable to assume that the right flank has produced more than it did last season. The dilemma between Valverde and Rodrygo, who are both highly effective, only puts Real in a win-win position. Asensio, in the meantime, has been demoted to the bottom of the pecking order.
3. The Real Madrid mentality
This strength may not be tangible, yet it is the most important because without it, no other strengths count.
Real Madrid’s mentality stems from the club’s tremendous history, which was not built overnight but over decades of struggle that occurred in tandem with glory.
There are narratives about Real Madrid lacking an identity on the field, but the greatest identity that transcends everything is one in the head, one that is carried by every player who wears the white jersey.
One may use sophisticated tactics and calculations all he wants, but they only get a team so far until the mentality, the sheer want and potency to win and win at all costs, takes over.
The mindset of never giving up and fighting until the last second on the clock and the last air in your lungs is something Real Madrid has inherited through years of success and the philosophy put down by the club’s best players.
The Madrid DNA is not only about being psychologically tough, but also about completing the most challenging tasks in the last minutes when the rest of the world has dismissed you. It is about triumphing when even fate is against you but your will is not.
The club’s last season is a perfect illustration of what Madrid DNA represents. Every time the world thought they’d lose, they came back, and they came back hard, proving why they’re known as the “Kings of Europe.”
There is no greater strength than this, and no amount of money or quality players can help if the mindset is not sound.