The Real Madrid live your most delicate moment of the season. Chain three negative results (a draw and two losses), but the most worrying thing is the sensations. And within the tactical chaos that the team lives, defense is the indicated line. If in recent times the white team based their game on an iron defensive reliability, under the orders of Carlo Ancelotti it is the weakest plot. Because, in addition to being very alone (the scheme is easily broken), the players in the rear are far from their best level.
LaLiga Santander
* Data updated as of October 3, 2021
Concha Espina's team has played ten games in which we have been this season. He has only managed to leave a clean sheet in three of them (Betis, Inter and Villarreal), and they have scored more than one goal in four. He has conceded 12 goals in total, leaving a worrying average of more than one per party that has raised the first doubts regarding the project.
Last year, under the orders of Zidane, the starting defense was formed Carvajal, Varane, Ramos and Mendy. At this start to the season only the first has appeared, although injuries continue to weigh on his career (he has lost five games due to muscle discomfort). Mendy is also still in the team, but the Frenchman has not even entered the group dynamic also due to injury. The two center-backs have left the team: Varane was sold to Manchester United and Ramos went free to PSG. This remodeling of the defense is not being easy at all, and that some of the players who are now protagonists due to their poor performance, were less than a year ago due to their excellent level.
The sides are being a headache for the technician. Lucas Vázquez, who started as a starter last season, is far from being that confident player in defense and with depth in the offensive phase. The Galician, who a few months ago renewed his contract until 2024, has left doubts. Nacho lives in a similar situation, who has gone from being one of the most reliable players in the squad to a series of worrisome mistakes. Neither as a winger nor as a central defender, he is being able to adapt to what the coach asks of him.
Another player who is not going through a good time is Alaba. The Austrian, star signing of the last market, has several unfortunate performances. Against Espanyol, Ancelotti tried again with him as a winger and on his side came the first rival goal. In that position he gives flight in attack, but lacks in defense.
Militao, the best
There has only been one central defender who is reinforcing his figure in recent games: Éder Militao. While he didn't have his day at RCDE Stadium either, the Brazilian is covering up many of the team's defensive flaws thanks to his physical superiority and great tactical insight. He is being, by far, the defender who is best interpreting Ancelotti's plan. He has played every possible minute (900 ') and has no guarantee replacement.
This is another of Ancelotti's problems. He has several pieces of defense out of combat, and the ones that he has healthy do not have his confidence. This is the case of Vallejo, who will have a very difficult time adding minutes this season. Together with Mariano and the injured Mendy and Ceballos, he is one of the few players who has not yet made his debut. There are also doubts with Marcelo, who is living his last year of contract. At 33 years old, at the club they are aware that their best level will not return.
Waiting for Mendy
Ancelotti hopes Mendy will provide solutions to his battered defense. The Frenchman aims to return to the calls after the selection break. He is a player who will be important for his physical capacity and intensity. In fact, he was already a footballer that the coaching staff had high hopes for before starting work. At the moment, he has only participated in one training session with the group since the season began, but now he will have two weeks in Valdebebas to catch up as long as his discomfort allows him. Carvajal is also close to returning, but his situation is compromised considering the injury history of recent years. Healthy, he is the undisputed starter on the right-hand side, but he is not usually so. The problem with the position is that there is no replacement warranties.
Too many complications that Ancelotti must solve if he wants his team to fight for the titles at the end of the season. Especially in the Champions League, a competition in which Madrid has been the king of the last decade thanks to its relentless defense. With the current one, it will be very difficult.