The international break comes as a timely respite for Real Madrid, but coach Xabi Alonso has no time to relax. The team has shown signs of fatigue and a lack of creativity in recent weeks, culminating in a disappointing defeat at Anfield and a frustrating draw against Rayo Vallecano. While the club remains atop La Liga with only one loss this season, there is an undeniable sense that the squad is struggling to maintain its momentum. Alonso now faces five critical areas to address during this break to rejuvenate his side.
First and foremost, the attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham has faltered. Initially seen as a potent force, their recent performances have raised concerns. Particularly alarming was Mbappé’s struggle to receive effective passes against Rayo Vallecano, where he managed just eleven touches in the first half. Alonso must find a way to reintegrate this trio into a cohesive unit that can replicate the brilliance they displayed against Barcelona just weeks ago.
Addressing Midfield Depth
The absence of Aurélien Tchouaméni looms large over Madrid’s midfield dynamics. A pivotal player in Alonso’s setup, Tchouaméni’s three-week injury leaves a significant gap that needs filling. In the match against Rayo, Eduardo Camavinga was deployed centrally before being shifted to the right flank, but neither position yielded success. The challenge now is for Alonso to identify suitable alternatives that can maintain the team’s structural integrity without Tchouaméni’s presence.
Stabilizing the Right Flank
Another pressing issue for Alonso is solidifying the right side of his defense and attack. With Trent Alexander-Arnold still adapting to his new environment, Dani Carvajal sidelined due to injury, and Federico Valverde being shifted into an unfamiliar role as a right-back, consistency remains elusive. Alonso has experimented with various players like Camavinga and Rodrygo in these positions, yet none have managed to secure their place convincingly. This instability could be detrimental as they look to maintain their lead in La Liga.
As the international break unfolds, Xabi Alonso must act decisively to tackle these challenges head-on. Can he restore his team’s confidence and creativity before their next fixtures? With crucial matches on the horizon, every decision made during this period will be vital for Real Madrid’s aspirations this season.
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