Real Madrid has embarked on a new journey under the guidance of coach Xabi Alonso, and the early signs are promising. Currently sitting atop LaLiga and co-leading in the Champions League, the team displays a potent offensive style that has captured attention across Europe.
As the season unfolds, Real Madrid has shown glimpses of Xabi Alonso’s tactical philosophy, which is still being refined. The team’s offensive machinery is firing on all cylinders, having scored 26 goals in just 10 matches across all competitions. With 19 goals in LaLiga, they boast the second-best attack, while their seven goals in the Champions League place them joint-third in that competition. This attacking prowess can be attributed to Alonso’s emphasis on high pressing and immediate defensive recovery following ball loss, making the Merengues a formidable force in the attacking third.
Pressing Game Fuels Scoring
The statistics speak volumes: six of Real Madrid’s goals have come directly from their relentless pressing. Kylian Mbappé has been particularly effective in this regard, netting four goals as a result of high-pressure situations. For instance, he scored twice against Real Oviedo (3-0 victory) after recoveries by Aurélien Tchouaméni and Vinícius Júnior. In another match against Real Sociedad (2-1 victory), it was Mbappé’s pressing that led to his goal following a poor backward pass from a Basque defender.
In their clash with Villarreal (3-1 victory), Jude Bellingham‘s interception allowed Mbappé to score his ninth league goal. Other notable contributions include Vinícius Júnior’s efforts against Mallorca (2-1 victory) after Federico Valverde’s recovery and Arda Güler‘s assist against Levante (4-1 victory). The aggressive nature of Madrid’s attackers has also led to them winning six penalties this season, with both Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior drawing two each, alongside Rodrygo Goes and Franco Mastantuono.
Defensive Structure Needs Refinement
While the attack flourishes, the defense still has its vulnerabilities. Upon Alonso’s arrival, many anticipated a shift to a three-man backline, akin to his successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen. However, he opted for a traditional 4-3-3 formation aimed at building from the back. This setup requires defenders capable of initiating plays effectively, and players like Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, Éder Militão, and Trent Alexander-Arnold (competing with Dani Carvajal) fit this mold well.
Despite their technical abilities and composure under pressure, Real Madrid has conceded ten goals in ten matches this season—an alarming figure considering they have kept just four clean sheets. A significant portion of these goals resulted from set-pieces—a persistent issue for the club over recent seasons. Half of their conceded goals have come from dead-ball situations: one corner against Mallorca, a penalty against Real Sociedad, and multiple set-piece mishaps against Atlético Madrid. Furthermore, four of those ten goals were headers, underscoring ongoing struggles in aerial duels.
Midfield Dynamics: A Balancing Act
The midfield appears more balanced compared to last season but lacks creativity at times. Aurélien Tchouaméni has been consistent defensively with his timely tackles and interceptions. Arda Güler plays an essential role as a playmaker while contributing defensively, and Federico Valverde remains crucial in linking defense to attack despite a slow start this season.
The high press allows midfielders to reclaim possession frequently, leading to pivotal contributions early in the campaign. Güler has forged an impressive partnership with Mbappé, providing four assists aimed directly at him along with three league goals. Valverde has also chipped in with three assists in LaLiga.
However, creativity remains an area for improvement. While Güler takes charge of orchestrating play effectively, Tchouaméni and Valverde are less inclined to take risks when facing low-block defenses—something that proved problematic against Osasuna where they relied solely on a penalty for victory. This issue was evident during their derby loss against Atlético Madrid as well.
The return of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga could prove beneficial for enhancing creativity in midfield. Their recent performances have showcased their ability to break lines consistently and maintain possession under pressure while facilitating quick recoveries.
Currently leading both LaLiga and the Champions League standings, Real Madrid is fulfilling its objectives under Xabi Alonso’s leadership. However, for sustained success, improvements are necessary—especially concerning defensive solidity and midfield creativity as they aim for glory this season.
Comments
0 comments
Sign in to comment