Real Madrid did not score in their last two games before the international break. They appear to be lacking a certain creativity in midfield since the departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Not scoring against a struggling Liverpool side in a 1-0 defeat in the Champions League and then in a 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga is a cause for concern for Xabi Alonso.
Los Blancos are still top of La Liga, but only ahead of Barcelona by three points. They cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to remain ahead of their rivals. The pressure is on Alonso to deliver a trophy despite it being his first season as the club's manager. They already failed to win the inaugural Club World Cup in its expanded format last summer.
Following the defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League, Real Madrid is now seventh in the European competition. Los Blancos are in danger of dropping out of the top eight, which would mean they would have to face an extra playoff fixture.
It seems strange to say that a midfield consisting of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga needs improvement. However, Tchouameni is currently injured, and the main concern is a lack of creativity. Real Madrid does have the talented Arda Güler, but he is only 20 years old.
Top players have been linked with improving Real Madrid's midfield
Real Madrid has recently been linked to the transfer of Dominik Szoboszlai. Many would argue that the Hungarian international is the game-changer that Real Madrid needs in the midfield.
Szoboszlai was a key part of the Liverpool side that won the Premier League last season. However, in this campaign, he has often had to fill in at right-back, as the Reds adapt to life without Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Hungary international is predominantly an attacking midfielder who can also feature in a more central role. Another name who could become a key Real Madrid target is Chelsea's Moises Caicedo.
Caicedo is regarded as the Claude Makélélé of this generation. Chelsea paid Brighton £115 million for his services and has a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2031. Therefore, it would be very difficult for Los Blancos to sign him. Szoboszlai could be a more realistic option as the Hungarian will be growing frustrated at being played out of position by Arne Slot.