The arrival of Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid seems to be getting closer and closer. Although some media outlets are reporting it as a done deal, there has been no official confirmation or indication from the club that the signing will go ahead, although everything suggests that it will. And with his possible arrival, in addition to strengthening the team’s right back position, they will gain a player with a strike that will create debate within the squad as to who will take set pieces.
Alexander-Arnold and set pieces
In recent years, Real Madrid has missed having a player who specializes in set pieces. Although Kroos and Modric have been the main players responsible for free kicks and corner kicks, there has been no player who has excelled at direct shots on goal, a skill that can decide games when the opponent’s goal is not found by other means. Without going any further, Real Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League against Arsenal was partly due to the two goals they conceded at the Emirates from direct free kicks.
But with the arrival of Alexander-Arnold and the more than likely emergence of Arda Güler, a debate will open up from next season, and Mbappé, who has scored two goals in the last month, also enters the equation.
Specialists at Real Madrid
Alexander-Arnold is not only a full-back with great range for Real Madrid’s right flank, he is also a specialist at set pieces, whether it be hanging balls into the box or striking direct free kicks. Many of his goals during his career have come from set pieces, and the Whites can benefit from this.
But if one thing has become clear since his arrival last season, it is that Güler also knows how to strike free kicks very well, and as he becomes more prominent, he is one of the players chosen to take them. There seems to be no doubt that he is now in charge of corner kicks, and we will see when he is allowed to take free kicks on goal.
But let’s not forget Mbappé. He doesn’t seem to be such a specialist, but the truth is that he has found the net in this way in matches against Leganés and Barcelona, and he carries a lot of weight in the dressing room. Nor should we forget Valverde, who is capable of firing off real rockets from long range.
Who will take the free kicks next season?
Given the quality of Real Madrid’s squad for next season in set pieces, it is likely that Arda Güler will take fouls on the right side of the area with his left foot, and Alexander-Arnold will take those on the left side with his right foot. We will see how much influence Mbappé has in what should be the most logical decision given the quality of the players’ striking ability.
What a blessed problem for Real Madrid next season. After many years without set-piece specialists, next year the white team will regain a new resource that will undoubtedly decide games in which Real Madrid is stuck and cannot find the back of the net. The arrival of Alexander-Arnold and the emergence of Arda Güler are good news for a team that already causes damage from free kicks but has lacked specialists who can win games with direct strikes.