Real Madrid’s Stuttering Attack and Defensive Frailties Demand Immediate Attention From Xabi alonso
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MADRID – Real Madrid’s recent performances have exposed critical vulnerabilities that new manager Xabi Alonso must address swiftly to salvage the club’s season. Despite sitting second in La Liga, a concerning pattern of disjointed attacking play, defensive instability, and a lack of midfield control threatens to derail their ambitions in both domestic and Champions League competitions.
The issues aren’t new, but have become magnified as key players struggle for form and tactical cohesion remains elusive. While kylian Mbappé’s arrival was heralded as a transformative moment, his integration alongside Vinícius Júnior has proven problematic, hindering the team’s overall attacking fluidity. Together, defensive lapses and a midfield lacking consistent dominance are placing undue pressure on goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and exposing Real Madrid to avoidable setbacks.
Attacking Disconnect between Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior
The anticipated synergy between Kylian mbappé and vinícius Júnior has yet to materialize consistently. Despite moments of connection, the pair frequently enough appear misaligned, with Vinícius Júnior making runs expecting a penalty area presence from Mbappé, who frequently prefers receiving the ball on the edge of the box. Conversely, when mbappé is in a scoring position, Vinícius Júnior sometimes opts to dribble, risking possession. vinícius Júnior has not recorded a goal contribution in his last six appearances, while mbappé’s recent goal came against 17th-place Valencia. This lack of understanding, particularly against organized defenses, limits Real Madrid’s attacking threat and reliance on individual brilliance.
Defensive vulnerabilities and Lack of Stability
Real Madrid’s defense has demonstrated a concerning lack of stability, conceding goals from preventable errors. Individual mistakes and a lack of coordinated pressing have left the backline exposed, forcing goalkeeper Andriy Lunin into numerous saves. The absence of a consistently commanding defensive presence, coupled with a tendency to allow opponents space in hazardous areas, has contributed to a higher goal concession rate than expected for a team of Real Madrid’s caliber.
Midfield control and Creative Spark
The midfield, traditionally a stronghold for real Madrid, has struggled to dictate play and provide a consistent creative spark. A lack of dynamism and a reliance on individual efforts have resulted in periods of prolonged possession without penetration. The absence of a dominant central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and linking defense to attack has left the team vulnerable to counter-attacks and struggling to break down compact defenses.
Addressing these three core issues – the attacking disconnect, defensive vulnerabilities, and midfield control – will be paramount for Xabi Alonso as he seeks to restore Real Madrid to its position as a European powerhouse. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether Alonso can implement the necessary tactical adjustments and instill a winning mentality within the squad.
