Football

La Liga team performance: Real Madrid strengthened even more, wants to attack the historic sextuple

Real Madrid. The king not only of last season, but also of football history. The world’s most successful club has recently won its 35th La Liga title and 14th Champions League title, but that’s all in the past. Los Blancos are already thinking about numbers 36 and 15. And there are even six trophies in play, in addition to the two mentioned, the UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish Super Cup, the Club World Cup and the Copa del Rey.

Published

2 years ago

9. 8. 2022

David Beňo

The executive team

Carlo Ancelotti has already managed Real Madrid in the 2013-14 season, winning the dream La Décima. He returned last summer and won the double. He is very popular among the players, he knows how to work well with them and what he may lack in tactics he makes up for by creating a positive, family and combative atmosphere in the team. Thanks to this, Los Blancos turned 9 games last season, including famous turnarounds with PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City.

But the strength of the implementation team is not only in Ancelotti. In particular, the fitness coach Antonio Pintus, who knows how to prepare the players perfectly, has done a great job, the Merengues’ main stars have been almost injury-free all season and have been able to turn games around thanks to their excellent fitness. Ancelotti’s assistant, his son Davide, also has a big say and pays a lot of attention to details.

Goalkeeper

It couldn’t be clearer. The goal is occupied by the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment, Thibaut Courtois. In the Champions League final, he absolutely decimated Liverpool and showed his qualities to the whole world. He regularly gives them a run for their money in La Liga, but unlike the Premier League, it is not as well watched.

Andriy Lunin, a young Ukrainian, will continue to be his number two, while the third and fourth goalkeeper positions will be filled by youngsters Luis Lopez and Lucas Cañizares.

Defence

The defence was one of Real Madrid’s weaknesses last year, but it was improving towards the end of the season. Right-back Dani Carvajal gradually got back to his old form, and in the LM final he resembled the Carvajal of 2017. Lucas Vázquez will continue to have his back, as well as returning guest Álvaro Odriozola.

The stopper duo has settled on Militao – Alaba, Ancelotti doesn’t want to tear it up for the new season. But a new signing has arrived in the form of Antonio Rüdiger, who will be looking to break into the starting line-up as soon as possible. And the path will lead more through Milito, who hasn’t looked his best in preparation.

At left-back, Real Madrid only have a pure left-back in Ferland Mendy. After Marcelo’s departure, his direct replacement is the versatile Nacho, originally a stopper, but who often played at left-back last season. The option of moving Alaba to left-back and Rüdiger to stopper is also in play, but the German giant also tried the left-back position in preparation.

Backup

Clearly Real Madrid’s busiest line. The centre of midfield has traditionally been strong for Los Blancos, but this year it’s just hitting the roof and Ancelotti can field two versions that would play in perhaps any team in the world.

There is in fact Casemiro, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Dani Ceballos. A huge selection that will give Ancelotti a big wrinkle.

He can bet on the tried and tested and legendary Casemiro – Modric – Kroos or the young and aggressive Tchouaméni – Valverde – Camavinga. A tough choice indeed, as all six players are asking for the basics, but only three can play.

Attack

At least one spot in the centre of midfield will be vacated by Valverde, who often alternates on the right wing. Here he will battle for a place with Rodryg, who should have a breakthrough season after last year’s signs (quarter-final with Chelsea, semi-final with Citizens). But in important games, where he will also need to help out in defence, Valverde will be preferred.

At the tip of the attack is another clear number one. Arguably the best player in the world at the moment and a future Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema is an absolute workhorse, leader and captain. The problem, however, is that Real’s game relies too much on him and Ancelotti has no replacement.

There is only one pure top striker left in the squad, and that is Mariano Díaz, who faces a lot of ridicule from the fans for his performances. Alternatively, Eden Hazard or Marco Asensio can be used as a false nine. It is the Belgian striker who has been very unlucky with injuries in Madrid and next season should be the one when he finally makes his mark in the white jersey.

On the left wing there is also nothing to worry about, last year Vinícius Junior finally unlocked his potential and proved that he can be one of the best players in the world in the future. Not only did he have a great season in numbers, his performance was also amazing. He is expected to do at least the same this year.