Confidence is the usual word associated with Real Madrid ahead of the start of a whole new season, but this time things are different.
After the departure of their esteemed central defensive pair – Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane – fans have reason to be worried and a little pessimistic. It has not been the usual mammoth transfer window that Los Blancos has so often pulled off in the past as well.
With only David Alaba through the door so far, the squad is too similar to the one that did not come to city rival Atletico in last season’s La Liga title race and eventually finished second in the table.
But in the typical Real way, the new coach Carlo Ancelotti saw that his side had a dominant display against Alaves on Saturday and won 4-1 to end match day one at the summit.
And there were things to learn from that performance …
David Alaba in a Real Madrid shirt / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Let’s start with the bad news; Real Madrid were simply not good enough in the back – or more appropriately, Eder Militao was not good enough. The Brazilian was full of hesitation and looked responsible for the odd mistake that could so easily have allowed the opposition a way back to the game.
In fact, when his side were 3-0 ahead of Alaves, the Brazilian’s terrible back pass John Guidetti played straight through before the Swede won a penalty that Joselu calmly converted.
It was the kind of game that suggested that the pressure was a little too much for the defender – and that, for Real Madrid, is simply not acceptable.
Since Los Blancos is highly unlikely to hit the transfer market for a high-quality center-half to secure things, it should be up to Alaba to fill the void and introduce some of the remarkable talent and composure that made him thrive and win everything in Bavaria. Munich.
The 28-year-old made his debut for Los Blancos on the left-back, and while he connected brilliantly upwards with Eden Hazard and Luka Modric and crossed exquisitely for his team’s fourth, defensive solidity should be a priority when he finds out what his role should be on the side.
Nacho Fernandez deserves a shot at a leading role for Real Madrid / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce / Getty Images
While Alaba’s inclusion at the heart of the defense may be a key factor in completely eradicating defensive errors, it must be said that Nacho Fernandez’s presence is certainly not the cause of any mishaps.
The Spaniard has been a loyal and reliable back-up alternative for Ramos and Varane during previous campaigns, and with their departures coming at the same time, this could be the year for the 31-year-old to be at the center.
Against Alaves, Nacho made nine defensive tackles – more than any other player on the pitch – and even took a well-scored goal to put Ancelotti up 2-0.
He has proven his quality throughout his discreet career, but now it should be time for him to really step up and form a first-hand partnership with the new man Alaba.
Fede Valverde was the heart of Real’s engine / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Ancelotti has reportedly already been impressed by Federico Valverde and after his appearance in Real’s opening day to beat Alaves, his admiration can only increase.
There were clear signs of aging in Los Blancos midfield last season, with Toni Kroos and Modric unable to find the legs to cope with other European elite sides in the later stages of the Champions League.
As a result, Ancelotti seems ready to offer Valverde the minutes his consistently dynamic performances deserve. The Uruguayan was in the heart of his side’s engine room on Saturday, driving energetically from the depths, carrying the Real team up the pitch.
Should his qualities continue to help Real dominate midfield battles, there is no doubt that this could be a big season for the 23-year-old.
Gareth Bale started in attack for Real Madrid against Alaves / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
During the 2020/21 season, Marco Asensio, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Hazard together scored 12 La Liga goals around Karim Benzema’s 23 strikes – the need for greater attacking contributions was frighteningly obvious.
However, it seems that Ancelotti has got his forwards to play with an extra freedom. Gareth Bale was named in the starting XI after his return from a loan spell at Tottenham and showed some good grip on advanced areas during the first half, while Vinicius Junior looked like another player after his introduction in the middle of the second period.
His fearless drive towards the goal scared Alave’s back line while more intelligent movement around the penalty area gave him opportunities to score – something he did with a rare nod in the second minute of stoppage time.
More creative, clinical and direct performances from white men like the one against Alaves will help free Benzema from the huge goal burden he carried with him throughout 2020/21 and thus Los Blancos will undoubtedly look a better team.
Karim Benzema is up and running for the new season! ?
Eden Hazard’s GENIUS flick teed it up and the French international hit it in the back of the net? pic.twitter.com/5mNpKjXw2A
– Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) August 14, 2021
Another player who looked more dangerous was Hazard. Like his previously mentioned colleagues, the Belgians’ production was a cause for serious concern for all those associated with Real Madrid.
Since his club record of € 115 million arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2019, Hazard has played just 41 times, scored five times and helped nine goals. Injured by injuries, his time in the Spanish capital has been hardly a nightmare after a second disaster in a row last time.
However, the 30-year-old seemed to play freely and with joy against Alaves, which gave details reminiscent of his sublime Chelsea days.
The choice of the gang was his sensational little girl to Benzema to help the game’s initial goal – the jewel in the crown of a very encouraging achievement.
Karim Benzema scored twice in Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Yes, the future looks much more ready to actually make things happen as a unit – but most of the responsibility will still fall on Benzema’s feet.
He was the principal – and for the most part the only man – in true colors to create and execute moments of brilliance that brought their mediocre season to a somewhat respectable result last time.
While Los Blanco’s performance against Alaves gave cause for optimism, the French’s braces would suggest that he will still be the one to carry the torch again for Ancelotti’s side this campaign.
