Real Madrid has been struggling defensively all season due to injuries and poor performances from some of its players. The full-backs have been a real headache, so the club did not hesitate to turn to the transfer market and sign two players: Trent Alexander-Arnold for the right and Álvaro Carreras for the left. Both players fit the profile sought by Xabi Alonso, but they will have to compete for their places with Dani Carvajal and Fran García.
A problem at full-back
Injuries have had a major impact on Real Madrid’s season. More than 50 injury reports throughout the season have been the result of a scourge that has hit the defense particularly hard. From practically the start of the season, Dani Carvajal was injured for the entire campaign, leaving the right-back position severely depleted. Lucas Vázquez had to step up and take on more responsibility, but his defensive performance left a lot to be desired, and Ancelotti decided to convert Valverde.
He also turned to Camavinga on several occasions to play left back due to the Italian’s lack of confidence in Fran García, who, in his opinion, showed all the will in the world but lacked something to be up to Real Madrid’s standards. The former Rayo Vallecano player was the natural replacement for Ferland Mendy, who has been plagued by countless physical problems throughout the season.
With this scenario, Real Madrid wasted no time in making a move in the transfer market. The Whites wanted signings for the Club World Cup, but they were only able to secure the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold after his contract with Liverpool expired. They had to pay €10 million to get him out before June 30 and travel to the United States. The left-back had to wait. Although Álvaro Carreras was the chosen one, Benfica refused to budge and the Galician full-back signed after the tournament for €50 million.
Trent impressed at the World Cup
Trent Alexander-Arnold arrived at Real Madrid to be an undisputed starter in the Club World Cup. The Englishman was in the starting line-up for all but the last game, the semi-final against PSG, which he missed due to muscle discomfort. During the tournament, Trent showed glimpses of the player he can become at Real Madrid, with a great attacking ability and two assists. His ball control is sublime, but there are areas for improvement if he is to become the perfect full-back.
His weak point is in defense. His former coach Arne Slot warned about this: “I told him he’s a much better defender than people think, but he doesn’t show it all the time,” he added. That will be the area to improve now that he is in a team where he has competition from Dani Carvajal, who is a wall in defense.
Carvajal is back
The Leganés full-back is back. On October 5, Dani Carvajal suffered a serious injury, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament, and popliteal tendon in his right leg. It was a serious injury that once again demonstrated the player’s work ethic and fighting spirit, as he got to work from day one with the clear goal of being available for the Club World Cup in June.
No sooner said than done. Although he only played a few minutes in the last game of the tournament, Carvajal felt like a footballer again against PSG, where he immediately showed what a wall he is in defense and the intensity with which he plays, earning a yellow card for a hard tackle. He is a competitive player and is not afraid of Trent’s arrival. In addition, Xabi Alonso has already said that they are not incompatible, as he also sees the Spaniard as a third center back.
Carreras, a signing in the making
Changing sides, on the left back, the solution to the problems took a little longer to materialize. Real Madrid considered different names before finally settling on Álvaro Carreras.
They tried to sign him ahead of the Club World Cup, but Benfica, who were also participating in the tournament, did not want to lower their asking price, which they ultimately got in full, as Real Madrid paid €50 million for the player, although it is true that the Portuguese club signed Real Madrid’s Obrador for €5 million.
With the arrival of Carreras, the club has acquired a player who, on paper, fits perfectly into Xabi Alonso’s plans. On the one hand, the young Galician full-back is versatile and can play as a full-back, third center back, or wing-back. He has the ball-playing ability and attacking vision that the coach wants, and defensively he stopped Lamine Yamal in his tracks in this season’s Champions League clash.
Fran García’s great World Cup
His competition will be Fran García. Initially, the Spanish full-back had the door open, but Xabi Alonso’s confidence and style of play have suited the player very well, who had a great World Cup, earning his place ahead of Feland Mendy, who is now on his way out. The former Rayo player has earned his place through consistency and effort. During the tournament, he was tireless in covering the wing, precise in his passing and attentive in defense.
Xabi Alonso makes a decision
Competition is not necessarily a bad thing; it gives the coach options and improves the team. In principle, Xabi Alonso’s idea for the start of the season is to go with the two signings for the starting spots on the defensive wings. Both fit the profile of the wing-back the coach wants and, barring any surprises, they will be the ones chosen against Osasuna. That is the initial idea, but preseason begins on Monday and, as the coach pointed out, we are starting from scratch.