Flashback to a couple months ago and there seemed to be a crisis brewing in the Spanish capital. After a shock 4-2 defeat to Real Sociedad at the Anoeta, Carlo Ancelotti’s men lost the plot again the next week at home to reigning League champions and city rivals Atletico Madrid. Arda Turan’s second half strike exposed the defensive frailties of a midfield that seemed to be sorely missing their leader in Xabi Alonso, whose shock move to Bayern Munich just a few days before the close of the transfer window left a gaping hole in front of the defence.
Since that game Madrid have been on a tear, demolishing everything in their path. In their last five games they have scored 32 goals while only allowing five in the process. Spearheaded by the magnificent Cristiano Ronaldo, who seems to be in the form of his life (a statement that seemingly needs to be reiterated year after year), Madrid have looked phenomenal in front of goal striking fear into defences in Spain and Europe alike.
But despite the fantastic form, the questions still linger about the midfield’s defensive capabilities with new signing Toni Kroos and to a lesser extent Luka Modric the main culprits. Truthfully it’s not their fault, neither are natural defensive midfielders, far from it, as both prefer to do their damage a lot closer to goal. Last year Madrid achieved almost perfect balance with Alonso, Modric and Di Maria, each player operating in a different zone of the midfield. Now Madrid are a bit top heavy, but Carlo’s been adamant that he won’t adjust his lineup.
Still it remains to be seen how this midfield can hold up against a real attacking threat, something we will find out this week as Madrid face off against Liverpool and then Barcelona this weekend.
Liverpool aren’t quite the juggernaut they were last season with Luis Suarez, but there is still something special about European nights at Anfield. The pacey Raheem Sterling should be able to find some space to exploit the gaps between the midfield and defence and Mario Balotelli, despite his struggles as of late, usually performs on the biggest stages. With Gareth Bale out for Madrid an adjustment is needed. Isco is likely to fill the gap, pushing James Rodriguez further up the pitch into the Welshman’s position. This could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Madrid as Isco’s defensive work rate has come on leaps and bounds in the past year under Ancelotti.
Instead of relying on Alonso as an anchor as Madrid have done in the past, it will take a team effort if this midfield is to become defensively sound. Toni Kroos has surprisingly good timing in his tackles and his tenacity has surprised some of the Bernabeu faithful, yet he’s still limited by his lack of speed and faulty positioning at times. Modric showed last season that he is capable defensively but without Alonso his role becomes even bigger.
Five-nil victories over minnows, while great on the surface, have swept some of the major issues under the rug but Madrid won’t be able to hide anymore and this week could go a long way to showcasing how this year’s new look Madrid will fare for the rest of the season.
