Real Madrid: Is Experience the Key to Reviving Their Season?

As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, Real Madrid sits in a commendable second place in La Liga, has reached the top eight in the Champions League, and remains in contention for the Copa del Rey. However, beneath these numbers lies a concerning trend. Under Xabi Alonso’s stewardship, the team appears to be losing its early-season momentum, with once-promising tactical plays and defensive solidity fading away.

Alonso’s appointment marked a decisive shift towards youth, with no players over 26 brought in during the recent transfer window. This strategy has resulted in a squad averaging around 25 years old—a bold move that, while exciting on paper, exposes a glaring lack of experienced leadership on the pitch. The absence of seasoned players is particularly felt as the team struggles to find its rhythm and cohesion.

Youthful Ambitions

The previous season highlighted the urgent need for fresh talent, especially in defense. This gap was addressed with the acquisitions of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Álvaro Carreras, and Dean Huijsen. While these players bring undeniable talent, they currently lack the experience required to guide them through the pressures of representing one of the world’s most prestigious clubs. Huijsen, for instance, has shown vulnerabilities in central defense that were less apparent during his time at Bournemouth, where he had support from Illya Zabarnyi.

The Need for Leadership

In midfield, although Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde have emerged as key figures with their dynamic playing styles, they share similar physical attributes that do not fully address the team’s creative needs. Besides Arda Güler, there is a noticeable absence of players who can orchestrate play or provide that crucial spark during matches. This homogeneity limits tactical flexibility and has left Alonso with fewer options to adapt his strategies effectively.

Moreover, the attacking front lacks diversity. While youthful exuberance can be an asset, it currently manifests more in dribbling than in clinical finishing or effective passing. The absence of a seasoned striker like Joselu is keenly felt; his ability to provide both presence and poise is sorely missed. During a recent stint in America, Gonzalo Garcia hinted at filling this role but ultimately failed to convince.

This lack of variety and experience raises questions about how Alonso can effectively implement his vision without more seasoned players alongside these young talents. The likes of Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, and Luka Modric—who contributed immensely to past successes—have not been adequately replaced. Their absence is palpable both in leadership on the field and tactical execution.

Defensively, injuries to key players like Carvajal and Éder Militão have compounded issues. Antonio Rüdiger‘s performances have also declined sharply, leading to calls for a more experienced defender to stabilize the backline. A player akin to Granit Xhaka could offer that blend of technical ability and tactical awareness needed in midfield.

The current squad has shown glimpses of potential but lacks that critical edge provided by experience—something that could significantly enhance their performance moving forward. As Real Madrid navigates this transitional phase under Alonso’s guidance, it remains essential to strike a balance between nurturing young talent and incorporating experienced players who can help steer this promising yet fragile team back toward glory.

In conclusion, while Alonso deserves time to mold his squad into a competitive unit akin to those managed by Mikel Arteta or Luis Enrique—who both took seasons to establish their frameworks—the urgency for immediate reinforcements cannot be overstated. As Madrid prepares for pivotal fixtures ahead, will they address these gaps during the upcoming winter transfer window? Only time will tell if experience will indeed be the remedy for their current woes.