Alvaro Benito: Tactical Concerns for Real Madrid Under Xabi Alonso

After Real Madrid‘s recent matches against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano, former player Alvaro Benito provided a critical analysis of the team’s tactical structure on Cadena SER. He highlighted ongoing issues under coach Xabi Alonso, particularly in how the team struggles to maintain control when opponents adapt their pressing strategies.

In the wake of a disappointing draw against Rayo Vallecano and a challenging defeat to Liverpool, Benito pointed out that Madrid often becomes vulnerable when the first line of press is bypassed. “The team gets stretched too easily,” he remarked, underscoring a lack of compactness in defense. This vulnerability is exacerbated when players drop too deep, leading to an inability to regain control of the match.

Midfield Dynamics Under Scrutiny

A significant concern raised by Benito revolves around the spacing within the midfield. He noted that the distances between the lines are excessively large, causing disconnects in transitions. “The midfielders are not moving in unison,” he explained, which results in exposing the back line during counter-attacks. This lack of cohesion makes it difficult for Madrid to recover quickly from offensive situations.

Adapting to Xabi’s Vision

Another focal point of Benito’s analysis was the adaptation of players to Alonso’s positional play. He observed that some players appear hesitant, opting to think rather than react instinctively during matches. This delay in decision-making slows down ball circulation and renders the team’s attacking patterns predictable. Despite these issues, Benito refrained from labeling them as systemic failures; instead, he emphasized that such challenges are part of a larger developmental process.

“The model requires repetition and time,” he asserted, indicating that while the tactical ideas are clear, executing them under pressure remains a significant hurdle for the squad. The path forward will demand patience and continued effort as players acclimate to Alonso’s philosophy.

As Real Madrid navigates through this transitional phase, fans will be eager to see how quickly the team can adapt and refine its tactics ahead of crucial fixtures in La Liga and beyond.