Three fullbacks Real Madrid should target next summer
The fixation of Real Madrid with not having a proper full-back is beyond understanding. Yes; the first-choice full-backs Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy are world class. But that’s about it. Over the last few seasons something always goes wrong with the position.
Lucas Vazquez was supposed to be a stop gap arrangement at right back for Zinedine Zidane. I guess somewhere in the notes the stop gap part was omitted for future managers and Lucas is simply stuck with the tag of being adaptive and all-round. He has been vocal in the past about his preferred position but now seems to be prioritizing minutes over part of the pitch.
Same goes for Nacho Fernandez. The forever utility man is one of the club captains this season and has donned the armband multiple times in the past as well. But what is his natural position? It seems that Nacho is the solution to every defensive problem but he is remembered only when there is one.
When Sergio Ramos moved to center of defense, Danilo was tried and rejected. How and why, Achraf Hakimi was allowed to be sold is a big mystery equal to the magnitude of why Alvaro Odriozola hasn’t appeared even 50 times since making his debut in 2018.
Over on the left Sergio Reguilon was never considered worthy; similar to Fabio Coentrao who is currently finding solace in fishing after his fall from grace. After Marcelo’s eminent departure the plan was to just run with it. David Alaba who was once a great left back was supposed to be a solid cover. But then again, the very reason he has moved to center – just like his jersey no. 4 predecessor Ramos – is his age and can’t maintain the intensity on the flank for entire 90 minutes.
The signing of Antonio Rudiger did not raise many eyebrows because it was a free transfer for one of the best CBs in the world. But the decision to play him on the left against Leipzig earlier this season has indeed opened a can of worms.
And just to rub salt in the wounds, Real Madrid have struggled in their last two matches against teams who had a great young full back from Real Madrid youth setup. Miguel Gutiérrez put in a noteworthy performance in a 1-1 draw for Girona and Fran Garcia was the Man of the Match for Rayo Vallecano in a shock 3-2 drubbing.
With full back position becoming high priority, here are 3 players that can be targeted next summer-
1) Alphonso Davies
The Canadian is currently having a race against time to be fit for what would be first World Cup game for Canada after 36 years. But when it comes to a race there is nobody faster than him. In fact, nobody has ever been clocked faster on a Bundesliga pitch with the current Bayern Munich defender hitting a whooping 36.51 kmph (22.69mph) against Werder Bremen. Of course, acceleration and explosiveness are only part of the equation of overall quickness, as the ability to maintain speed over distances is often the difference-maker in football.
The Ghana born player is not all about speed either and has dribbling as well as crossing abilities. In what makes wonderful video replay he also showed immense pace even in defense while chasing down Erling Haaland; a move that earned him a nickname as “The Bayern Road Runner” from Thomas Mueller. He is attack minded and can also play as a winger. But also looks comfortable in defense with solid technique and physical presence.
The journey he has had to be currently playing at Bayern and having already won multiple trophies also vouch for the fact that he is a serial winner. He knows how to handle the pressure and has a winning mentality suited for elite clubs. He is simply the best player of the Canadian national team and the face of The Canucks going to Qatar. For the national team he often ventures in scoring areas and can grab a goal every now and then.
His current contract in Munich expires in 2025 making him costlier than some of the other available options. But the fact that he is just 22 years of age should encourage Real Madrid to go deep into his pockets. Also, with Rodrygo and Eder Militao receiving their Spanish passports, the non-EU spot is currently available if the deal were to happen.