The Real Champs
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Real Madrid: The B team that could be used after the World Cup

By Divyam Agarwal

GETAFE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 08: Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid manager of Real Madrid looks on from the player's bench before the LaLiga Santander match between Getafe CF and Real Madrid CF at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on October 08, 2022 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
GETAFE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 08: Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid manager of Real Madrid looks on from the player's bench before the LaLiga Santander match between Getafe CF and Real Madrid CF at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on October 08, 2022 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid’s 2020-21 season was a catastrophe in terms of injuries, with a player being injured roughly every other day. The squad’s fitness level was at an all-time low, and it cost the club tremendously in terms of wasted opportunities and titles.

In reaction to the issue, Real Madrid signed back Antonio Pintus last season, who drastically changed the situation and decreased the amount of injuries to nearly nil. This was crucial in Madrid’s quest for all-conquering glory last season, with the greatest players in top form.

However, injuries have begun to resurface this season. The players are once again being shelved owing to a lack of fitness, and if you think that’s the worst it can get, wait till after the World Cup.

A lot of the current squad’s players are extremely important in their respective national teams and will almost probably play every game, resulting in considerable exhaustion. The downturn will have an impact on their athletic performance, which will exacerbate when club games resume immediately following the event.

The notion of utilizing a B squad makes the coast in order to prevent this and provide essential players the time to relax and heal. This technique is not new to Real, as Zidane used it during the three peat phase to successfully sweep domestic and European titles with two teams in the first squad.

Carlo Ancelotti must use a similar plan to keep the big game players away from less critical games and allow fresh faces an opportunity. Let us discuss the probable XI that might be employed as the backup team after the World Cup in this article.

Real Madrid
Andriy Lunin, Real Madrid (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /

GK – Andriy Lunin

Thibaut Courtois is already out for El Clasico, and Real will have to be more cautious with him in the future. The Belgian is a wonderful goalkeeper, maybe the best in the world right now, but it does not mean he needs to play every single game and risk a long-term injury, especially because his present injury, sciatica, takes time to recover entirely and heals only in the long run.

This should open the way for Lunin to take over in goal after the World Cup. The Ukrainian is a talented goalkeeper, especially considering his age. His reflexes and direction are commendable, and it’s a shame that so little of it is seen. His positioning is also fairly good, if not exceptional.

RB – Alvaro Odriozola

Dani Carvajal is another player who is anticipated to be called up for the World Cup and will have a significant impact on his team. He will be susceptible to weariness, and because his job at Real is so vital, it is critical that he rests after the World Cup.

Odriozola returned off a decent loan spell in Italy but is yet to play for Real Madrid. With Carvajal’s risk, the youngster could finally find a spot and get to play right back. His offensive talent is adequate, but his defensive ability is lacking. It will be interesting to see how he has progressed and what new ideas he will bring to the table this time.

CB – Nacho Fernandez

With Eder Militao’s call up to Brazil, his responsibilities will remain in Qatar for the time being. He will undoubtedly return fatigued and laden with exhaustion, and it will be critical to replace him with another player and keep the Brazilian for further vital Champions League games and other significant days in LaLiga.

Nacho, on the other hand, is a versatile defender on whom Real Madrid can rely at any moment. Nacho has rescued the squad from its limits countless times, and his services should be required once again. The Spaniard is a reliable centre-back who can be counted on unconditionally. He may as well be captaining the backup team.

CB – Jesus Vallejo

Many players played well and gained praise at the conclusion of last season during the most vital minutes of the Champions League knockouts, but there was one player who was completely disregarded despite his excellence, and that was Jesus Vallejo.

The Spaniard is mocked outrageously by the fans, yet his progress in recent months has been astounding. During games against Manchester City and others, he provided Real with great defensive stability and kept the goal protected.

Vallejo is a dedicated hardworking player who has seldom complained about the shortage of minutes. He is patient with his role and motivated to get what he deserves. He has certainly progressed from the once-terrible player he was and merits the opportunity he deserves this time.

LB – David Alaba

Ferland Mendy is anticipated to be called up by France for the World Cup and will be one of the undisputed starters. His injury history is particularly concerning; for instance, he was injured 5 times last season, missing 14 games. Extra care must be taken with Mendy, and he must be as exhausted as less as possible.

Austria did not make the World Cup groups, thus David Alaba will be staying in Madrid for the entirety of the competition. His job in the “B” team will be significant, and his leadership abilities will be an asset. As a left back, the versatile player is quite dominant in terms of ball protection and inventiveness on the field ahead.

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