Real Madrid News
El Clasico debacle highlights Real Madrid need reinforcements in the January transfer window
Real Madrid’s recent 0-4 defeat to Barcelona brought several of the team’s weaknesses to light, but none were more glaring than the lack of squad depth.
While Carlo Ancelotti put out his strongest lineup, the absence of quality alternatives on the bench played a significant role in this setback.
This loss underscored the lack of creativity and control in midfield, an issue that has lingered since the departure of Toni Kroos.
Instead of finding a player to replicate Kroos’s passing vision, the club opted to rely on attacking stars like Kylian Mbappe, whose goals have yet to consistently deliver the desired impact.
While Real Madrid are largely covered in attack and midfield for that matter, the need for reinforcements is becoming undeniable.
Real Madrid were exposed
To begin with, it must be noted that Barcelona exposed Madrid’s vulnerabilities, with players like Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, and Lucas Vazquez struggling to keep up.
For that matter, the current roster of centre-backs leaves little room for flexibility. Madrid have Militao and Antonio Rudiger as regulars, but the options thin out quickly.
Jesus Vallejo has yet to prove his worth in brief appearances and is likely to leave, while David Alaba’s long-term injury raises concerns about when, or if, he will return at his peak.
Ancelotti has resorted to using Aurelien Tchouameni as an emergency centre-back, highlighting just how thin their defensive depth has become.
Situation is more challenging
The situation on the right side of the defence is even more challenging. Dani Carvajal’s season-ending injury has left Madrid with limited options. The Spaniard’s versatility made him a valuable backup for the centre-back position in times of crisis.
However, three of Madrid’s four defensive positions lack natural replacements. This means Madrid are left with Rudiger, Militao, and Vazquez, followed by a noticeable gap in quality.
Given the club’s busy calendar, with up to 72 games across seven competitions, the need for defensive reinforcements is more pressing than ever.
So if this situation is not enough to prompt action in the January transfer window, Real Madrid risk facing significant hurdles in the latter stages of their season.
Real Madrid’s performance against Real Betis was shambolic, to say the least as the team faced many of the problems that have haunted them over the past couple of years.
But on a night where most of the attackers struggled to create anything of note, Dean Huijsen emerged as a lone bright spark for Los Blancos.
Huijsen keeps his promise
As reported by MARCA, Huijsen was the standout performer for Real Madrid, marshalling the backline with real authority even as the team struggled around him.
There has been a noticeable shift in the young defender’s mentality this season, with the player showing more competitive nature and looking much fiercer.
This is an attitude Huijsen had always promised, having inherited the iconic number four shift from David Alaba, a number he associates with his idols Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro.
“What I do know is that I’ll give everything of myself every day, whether in training or in a game,” he vowed, and at La Cartuja he delivered on that word.
His primary task was neutralising Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, and he did so superbly, drying up the Colombian’s supply and repeatedly anticipating danger.
He also held his own in a niggly battle with Antony, refusing to be ruffled by one of Betis’ most inspired performers.
His composure on the ball, one of the qualities that has elevated him, saw him venture forward, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and later heading against the woodwork.
The Konate partnership grows
Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate did his job, albeit without matching his partner’s brilliance.
The Frenchman was a little less assured, both in and out of possession, reflecting the two speeds of the centre-back pairing.
Huijsen looks settled and increasingly commanding, while Konate is still building the sharpness needed to reach his best in white.
Nonetheless, the partnership is heading in the right direction, and in Huijsen, Real Madrid appear to have unearthed a genuine leader for an area that has long been a weakness.
Each performance is also an argument to Luis de la Fuente, as the defender looks to reclaim the Spain spot he lost before the World Cup.
