Real Madrid’s situation with injuries has become complicated this season, and the list doesn’t stop growing. Currently, the white club faces the loss of seven players: Carvajal, Praise, Courtois, Chouameni, Lucas Vazquez, Rodrigo and Militao. Faced with this delicate situation, Ancelotti was clear in his last comment on the matter at a press conference: “Until Christmas we have to go with what we have.”
Now, what does Ancelotti mean by this? The Italian coach’s message reflects the reality that the team faces at the moment. Given that winter market window is closed until JanuaryAncelotti will have to take forward the team’s performance with the players he currently has at his disposal. Given the shortage of personnel in certain positions, mainly in defense, the coach has no other option than cover the casualties by reorganizing roles, taking advantage of the versatility of some players and turning to the white youth team.
There is nothing to do now, we will evaluate it in the coming months. Now nothing can be done
Carlo Ancelotti
Asencio as starting defense
Raúl Asencio will remain in the first team indefinitely and, while Tchouaméni is injured, He will be the starter in the center of defense along with Rüdiger. This was made clear by Ancelotti in a press conference after today’s match, in which the Italian coach He discovered a gem almost by accident after Militao’s injury: “Raúl has played very well, with a lot of personality. We must thank the youth team and Raúl for the work they have done with him. He is a player we need at this moment“.
Valverde as an option for the right back
Fede Valverde, a versatile player, is emerging as a true option to cover the right side. His first performance in this role against Osasuna has left Ancelotti with a good alternative. “Today Valverde played as a full-back, which seems good to me”confessed the Italian coach after the game. His physical ability and defensive commitment are characteristics that Ancelotti could take advantage of in this position temporarily, sacrificing his contributions in the center of the field in favor of maintaining defensive balance.
Valverde during the match against OsasunaEFE
Camavinga confirmed as pivot
Con Valverde possibly playing on the right side and Tchouaméninow injured and, when he returns, probably occupying the center of the defense, There is only one possible name left as a pivot in the center of the field: Camavinga. The Frenchman played possibly his best game of the season as a pivot against Osasuna, showing a constant presence in all areas of the field. He supported the team, and with the ball he provided rhythm and verticality to Madrid. With him on the field, the team is better.
Incorporation of Fortea in the calls
Given the lack of options in defense, Fortea could begin to be called up for matches. Ancelotti already had it in mind, he wanted the player to acquire first team dynamics and enter the squads. The Italian coach has no doubt that he is the best full-back in the quarry and is convinced that he will soon be able to play minutes with the first team.either. Although he is probably not the first option for the right back, he is a good alternative for when it is necessary to give the player who occupies that position a rest after Lucas Vázquez’s injury.
Vinicius and Fortea in today’s training in ValdebebasReal Madrid
Mendy as central
Another of the more experimental alternatives could be use Mendy as a center back. Although his natural position is left back, Mendy is a option to provide solidity in the center of defense and free his teammates from certain defensive responsibilities. However, he has not yet recovered that level of form that made him a unbeatable defender during the last Champions League. Like the rest of the team, his performance has not reached the level of the previous season, but both the coaching staff and his teammates in the locker room continue to trust in his game and his innate ability to defend, which could allow him to adapt to other positions.
The look towards the winter market
Real Madrid will analyze the winter transfer market at Christmasat which time will evaluate options to reinforce the positions most affected by injuries. However, until then, Ancelotti must find the perfect balance so that his team remains competitive in all competitions and continues fighting for all titles. The Italian coach has alternatives that can work for you and circumstances force Real Madrid to resort to versatility of his squad, the quarry, and the tactical ingenuity of the Italian coach until it can be strengthened in the winter market.
