While Cristiano Ronaldo’s four-goal outburst vs. Elche will receive all the headlines, (and rightly so, the Portuguese international has been on a tear as of late), Madrid fans, perhaps used to Ronaldo’s excellence, would have been excited by what they saw from some of Madrid’s reserves.
Just a couple days removed from the 8-2 crushing of Deportivo La Courna, Carlo Ancelotti opted to switch things up for the merengues. In stepped Keylor Navas, Isco, Illarramendi and Varane, the latter deputising for the injured Pepe.
Though Elche aren’t the strongest side by any stretch of the imagination, all four reserves looked extremely comfortable, giving Ancelotti something to think about going forward.
Fans have been calling for Keylor Navas for weeks in the wake of Iker Casillas’ spotty and uncertain form. Against Elche Ancelotti finally decided to hand the Costa Rican his competitive debut for Madrid. Navas looked assured in goal, though Madrid were still unable to keep a clean sheet due to dubious penalty call by the referee who admittedly had a shocking game. Navas’ movement in the box and defensive organisation were a sight for sore eyes. The 27-year-old looked full of confidence and it spread to the rest of his defense who had a relatively smooth game.
Varane also did well filling in for Pepe and playing the full 90 minutes for the second game running. The Frenchman’s talent needs no introduction and as the only natural centre-back on Madrid’s bench he’ll be called on time and time again, especially with the card happy duo of Pepe and Ramos. Cool and calm as ever, Varane has been a model of serenity at the back.
But in midfield we really saw some of Madrid’s future potential. Isco was fantastic behind the big three of James, Ronaldo and Bale. Usually prone to over-dribbling (a quirk he still hasn’t fully stomped out of his game) he was more of a team player against Elche, he was judicious in his dribbling exploits but when he did fulfill his desire to make fools out of defenders it was really effective. Even Isco’s final ball, one of his biggest flaws as an attacking midfielder, seemed muted.
Despite these impressive performances, perhaps the most important came from one of the least likely sources. When Asier Illarramendi was purchased for €32.2m (the highest amount Madrid have ever spent on a Spaniard), many expressed shock expecting Madrid to buy a more high profile target. Last season Ilarra played primarily next to Xabi Alonso. In his unnatural position Illarra would routinely sandwich periods of good play with nervous and timid performances. When him and Xabi played together it was common to see Illarra floating around in midfield unsure of his positioning. There were no such problems yesterday as he anchored the midfield limiting Elche’s penetration.
For the first time in a while Ilarra bossed the midfield like he did in his Real Sociedad days. Combining well with Kroos, Illarra seemed more adventurous than usual, winning tackles all over the pitch and even displaying his improved long-range passing (initially one of his major shortcomings). Eager to impress he looked ready to fight for his spot as opposed to the apathetic “happy to be here” performances we saw last season.
Ultimately Madrid’s reserves will have to pay a key role as the club look to build upon last season’s success. Performances like this will go a long way to making sure that Madrid do not miss a beat when injuries and suspensions inevitably strike in what will be a long season.
