Real Madrid are facing a significant challenge this season, one that manager Carlo Ancelotti must address quickly if the club is to maintain its high standards.
As with any top club, Madrid always aim to stay at the pinnacle of European football, but success depends on more than just the attack. A team’s defensive structure is just as vital.
While the club has several high-quality players, there is one position in particular that needs special attention.
A balanced squad, capable of competing on all fronts, is essential. In recent seasons, Real Madrid have invested heavily in both attack and midfield, with players like Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni adding flair and strength to the team’s spine.
However, a specific defensive issue has emerged, and now, four potential solutions are being considered. Let’s explore the possible routes that Ancelotti could take.
Play Ferland Mendy
Ferland Mendy has been one of the more consistent players for Real Madrid at left-back over the past few seasons. His defensive reliability makes him a strong candidate for solving this issue.
Mendy’s physical strength, combined with his ability to track back quickly, gives him an edge when dealing with fast-paced wingers.
He has often been seen as a dependable option, especially in big matches, where his defensive awareness has saved Madrid on numerous occasions.
However, there are concerns about Mendy’s contribution in attack. While he is solid at the back, his ability to push forward and provide support in the final third has been questioned.
In modern football, especially at a club like Real Madrid, full-backs are expected to be as effective in attack as they are in defence.
Mendy’s limited crossing ability and reluctance to take risks in the opposition’s half may make Ancelotti hesitant to rely on him as the permanent solution.
Nevertheless, his familiarity with the team and his solid defensive record make him a likely contender to fill the left-back role.
Play Fran Garcia
Another option for Ancelotti is to put his faith in Fran Garcia, a younger and more attack-minded left-back. Garcia’s performances have been praised for his energy, pace, and willingness to contribute offensively.
His ability to overlap with the winger ahead of him offers a more dynamic approach to the left-back position, giving Real Madrid a different dimension in attack.
Garcia’s forward runs can help stretch the opposition’s defence, which would create more space for the attacking players.
Yet, Garcia’s inexperience at the highest level may be a concern for Ancelotti. While he has shown great promise, there’s a risk that he could be exposed defensively, particularly in high-stakes games.
Additionally, Real Madrid’s defensive structure might be compromised if Garcia pushes too far forward, leaving gaps that more experienced opponents could exploit.
Ancelotti may view this option as more of a long-term solution, giving Garcia time to grow into the role. However, it remains uncertain whether he is the immediate answer to Madrid’s current defensive needs.
A 3-4-3 formation with Eduardo Camavinga at the back
Ancelotti has been inflexible with formations, but one option that he can switch to is a 3-4-3 system. In this setup, Eduardo Camavinga could drop into the back three.
Camavinga, known primarily as a midfielder, has displayed incredible versatility since joining the club, also plying his trade as a left-back. His pace, intelligence, and ability to read the game make him an intriguing option for the backline.
Deploying Camavinga in this position would allow Real Madrid to maintain a solid defensive foundation while providing more balance in midfield.
His composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back could help Real Madrid transition more smoothly from defence to attack. However, playing Camavinga in the backline would come with risks.
He is not a natural defender, and his occasional positioning mistakes could leave Madrid vulnerable. Additionally, taking Camavinga out of the midfield would deprive the team of his energy and ball-winning abilities in the centre of the pitch.
Therefore, while the 3-4-3 formation is a creative solution, it could have negative repercussions elsewhere on the field.
Push for Alphonso Davies’ signing
One of the more exciting possibilities for solving Real Madrid’s left-back problem is the potential signing of Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich in January itself.
The Canadian international has become one of the best left-backs in the world, combining incredible speed, technical ability, and attacking prowess. Davies would undoubtedly provide the attacking threat that Real Madrid have been missing on the left flank.
His ability to cover the entire left side of the pitch, both in defence and attack, would make him a perfect fit for the team.
However, signing Davies would be a long-term project. Not only would it require a significant financial investment, but it would also depend on Bayern Munich’s willingness to sell one of their star players midway through the season.
Negotiating such a transfer during the season might be difficult, and Ancelotti cannot wait until the next transfer window to solve this problem.
While Davies would undoubtedly be an ideal solution, it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid can pull off such a high-profile transfer in time.