Real Madrid, as announced by coach Xabi Alonso at the end of the team’s participation in the Club World Cup, has drawn several conclusions from the tournament. It was a tournament that saw the team perform at its best with the coach’s new ideas, but also at its worst in the match against PSG, where it became clear that there are areas for improvement. These points will be improved with work on the current squad, but, as the coach said, there is room for signings to bolster what is already there.
Need in midfield
Since Toni Kroos’ departure last summer, there has been talk at Real Madrid about the need to strengthen this area of the pitch with a player of his profile. This season, under Ancelotti, despite Ceballos and Modric filling in at times, there has been a noticeable void in a vital area for any team. A guiding light, an architect, was missing, and the Whites have been searching for months for the man to complete the team.
A complicated signing
Finding the right player is no easy task. For a long time, the favorite of both the club and Xabi Alonso has been Martín Zubimendi. The problem with the Real Sociedad player is twofold: first, the team was not willing to pay the $60 million demanded by the Basque club, and second, while they were thinking about it, Arsenal moved forward at lightning speed, making the deal impossible for Real Madrid.
Although there are no financial problems, Real Madrid has already spent more than $170 million in this transfer window and is scrutinizing every cent it spends. Among the candidates to strengthen the midfield are big names such as Rodri, Vitinha, and Mac Allister, with impossible prices above $100 million.
More economical options include Angelo Stiller, who has a very similar profile to Toni Kroos, but who is not quite convincing for an investment of around €50 million. Kees Smit is cheaper, at around €25 million, but he is a risky bet due to his youth, as the team already has players with a similar profile. In addition, the player has hinted that he prefers to stay with his team and get playing time rather than move to a big club and be a backup.
Arda Güler and his step forward
Faced with difficulties in signing a new playmaker, the club could opt to continue betting on Arda Güler, who has earned his stripes during the Club World Cup. Ancelotti did not give him many opportunities, but at the end of the season with the Italian in charge and as a starter, he made it clear what he can bring to the team. Xabi Alonso gave him the confidence to be that beacon, that number ten that the team needs, and he has shown his qualities. His great left foot, his creative vision of the game, his great passes into space, and his offensive projection are the Turkish player’s great strengths, although not everything is rosy.
Areas for improvement
Against PSG, several of Arda Güler’s weaknesses were exposed. With the game very difficult, without possession and having to fight back on the counterattack, there were shortcomings that need to be ironed out. His main weakness is his defensive work and his lack of confidence on the ball when he is not in possession. These are the areas that need to be improved by a player who Toni Kroos is asking for patience and concessions in defense, as he believes that what he can contribute in terms of build-up play is much more valuable.