The Arabian Reinforcements

Real Madrid returns from Arabia with the first title of the season, the Spanish Super Cup, under their arms and also with the certainty that he has a squad to reach the decisive months as a candidate for all the trophies. 2022 began with an unexpected setback (defeat against Getafe), but Ancelotti’s men took little time to clear up any doubts that might arise around the team, first with a convincing victory in the League against Valencia and then with the wins against Barcelona and Athletic in the Super Cup.

There is a group of players who have been beyond doubt for many years (Modric, Kroos, Benzema…), but there are other footballers who return from Saudi Arabia reinforced, Convinced that they must be fundamental pieces in the remainder of the season if Madrid wants to opt for everything.

Courteous

The Belgian’s claim in the Spanish Super Cup is more from outside than inside the club, where Florentino Pérez himself was in charge of supporting him after the game against Athletic defining him as the best goalkeeper in the world. With the current form, which has been a constant during the last year, it is surprising that he is not among the three finalists to win the award for the best goalkeeper in the FIFA world, at The Best gala that takes place this Monday (The three nominees are Mendy, Neuer and Donnarumma).

Lucas Vazquez

The Galician started the season with doubts, because Madrid renewed him as right back but Ancelotti did tests in that position (Nacho and Valverde) instead of trusting Lucas as a replacement for Carvajal. The Super Cup reinforces him because he performed at a good level in extra time against Barça (Carvajal was substituted as a precaution) and he had a very complete match in the final against Athletic (Carvajal was discharged due to COVID). Definitely, it is the replacement of guarantees in defense whatever the rival.

Faith Valverde

El Pajarito has a very difficult time getting into the eleven with the current performance of Casemiro, Kroos and Modric, but he has returned to the level he exhibited at the beginning of the season, when he took advantage of Kroos’ loss to become undisputed. The games accumulate, injuries will come and Ancelotti needs reliable replacements in a midfield that sets the pace of Madrid’s game. With the Uruguayan at this level, the coach can afford to rotate or even play with four midfielders if the rival’s characteristics require it.

Rodrygo

The Brazilian has been decisive for Madrid to lift the Spanish Super Cup: he assisted Valverde in the goal that gave the pass to the final and Modric in the goal that opened the scoring against Athletic. The right winger is the only position in the eleven that does not currently have an owner, with Ancelotti dividing the minutes equally between Asensio and Rodrygo. With the Balearic injury against Barcelona, ​​Rodrygo can take the lead ahead of the decisive months of the competition.