Sampler of plan B

The last extreme rotation of Madrid (Mallorca, October 19) ended badly (1-0 defeat). Then, without daring so much, Zidane tried to partially refresh the team and it didn't work either, beyond the first Cup rounds against Unionistas and Zaragoza. When he ran into a rival with more volume, Real Sociedad, Madrid was eliminated. That night were Nacho, Miitao, James or Brahim, four of the missing.

One of the keys to that double of Zidane in 2017 was a complete activation of the template that allowed him to survive in any field and in any circumstance with an alternative eleven. That time passed.

Nacho, exemplary substitute in those days of wine and roses, He has only played nine games this year. After scoring the goal that gave the victory to Madrid in Valladolid has not been aligned again in the League or in the Champions League. He was in the Cup, against Zaragoza and Real Sociedad, and he scored a goal, but his role in the team is much less relevant than in the first one was Zidane.

Militao, who will have to play against Manchester City for the suspension of Sergio Ramos, He has been six league games and one of the Champions without playing a single minute. Only Marcelo, who shares the minutes with Mendy, is a real alternative in defense.

Odriozola He left the winter market without leaving a mark. He played four league games and only one of the Champions. At Bayern he has only played 70 minutes in a month and a half.

James and Bale, Fallen Galactics

With James the worst forecasts have been confirmed. He played seven of the first nine league games, but hasn't played a minute in the competition since October 19 and has only been in three calls. In Europe he has not played any games since the 22nd of the same month and his presence in the three Cup matches was very marginal. In the Super Cup he enjoyed 13 minutes against Valencia. He is the sixth midfielder of the team.

Brahim's rebound did not last long. He liked it in Zaragoza and repeated before the Real in Copa, but has been non-existent in the great competitions. In League he has played 23 minutes, the last on December 7. In Champions, 17, in Bruges.

Rodrygo, which with seven goals is still the team's second scorer, has gone down several steps in relevance. After not being included in three consecutive league lists, the club He decided to re-enter Castilla. He scored a goal and was sent off against San Sebastián de los Reyes.

With Bale Zidane seems to have lost patience. The Welshman has scored three goals in 18 games. The latest news about him is daunting: off the list against Levante, 15 insubstantial minutes against City and the whole Classic sitting on the bench. All in one course very in line: two injuries and one sick leave.

Jovic It has also gone very less. In a team with little goal, He was not in the last two league calls and left only six minutes against City. That Mariano has advanced should be alarming, especially considering the 60 million it cost.

With a view to the future

Although Plan B 2019-20 is not working, Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid have 'from Erasmus' important pieces of the future and possible revuls for the next season. Dani Ceballos, in spite of not being outstanding in the Emirates, it already proved to have quality to be a substitute of guarantees. The sides are also insured: Achraf shows versatility and shines in Dortmund; Reguilón, meanwhile, is a fixed Lopetegui.

Martin Odegaard, in Real, is one of the great names of LaLiga Santander. KuboAt 18, he also shows signs of having enough potential. Lunin Y Luca Zidane They start to take off in Second. Javi Sánchez, Borja Mayoral or Oscar Rodriguez, still owned by Madrid, seem to have a great future in Primera.