The dawn of a new LaLiga season at the Santiago Bernabéu typically heralds an era of dominance, a symphony of attacking prowess designed to dismantle opposition with elegant ruthlessness. Yet, despite a victorious opening act and a familiar name, Kylian Mbappe, on the scoresheet, Real Madrid`s initial performances under new maestro Xabi Alonso have left many observers pondering a curious question: Where is the usual fireworks display?
While the defensive solidity under Alonso is commendable – witness the containment of Osasuna to a mere two off-target shots – the attacking rhythm remains, shall we say, a work in progress. It`s an interesting paradox for a club boasting some of the planet`s most electrifying forwards. The expectation for Real Madrid to not just win, but to *dominate* and make it look effortless, seems, for now, a distant echo from previous campaigns.
Alonso`s Tactical Tightrope: Navigating Star Power and Setbacks
Xabi Alonso’s arrival marks a significant shift, and integrating new philosophies while managing a squad still reeling from a demanding Club World Cup season and significant player movements is no trivial task. The challenges are multi-faceted:
- Vinicius Jr.`s Form: The Brazilian, often Real Madrid`s primary creative spark, hasn`t yet found his customary dazzling form. A quiet start has already led to early substitutions, sparking whispers about a potential benching if his struggles persist. For a player of his calibre, this dip is noticeable.
- Bellingham`s Absence: The three-month sideline for Jude Bellingham following shoulder surgery is a significant blow. His midfield dynamism and goal-scoring threat added an invaluable dimension that now needs alternative solutions.
- Rodrygo`s Future: The looming cloud of Rodrygo`s potential transfer adds another layer of uncertainty, impacting squad depth and tactical flexibility.
Alonso, ever the pragmatist, acknowledged the early-season jitters, stating,
“All the players are important and I’m counting on them, and since I make the squad list, anyone can be a starter.”
This suggests a meritocracy, a gentle reminder that reputations alone won`t secure a spot in his demanding system.
The Search for a Secondary Fiddle to Mbappe`s Lead
With Mbappe undeniably the focal point, the critical task for Alonso is identifying and nurturing a reliable secondary attacker. Someone who can alleviate the immense pressure on the Frenchman, providing alternative avenues for goal creation and penetration. In the opening match, Arda Guler was given that opportunity, hinting at a potential breakout season for the young Turk in a creative midfield role.
The Club World Cup provided Alonso with a valuable testing ground for younger talents like Guler and Gonzalo Garcia. This is where strategic foresight comes into play: can these emerging talents rise to the occasion and provide the necessary offensive impetus?
LaLiga`s Relentless Pace: Why Goal Difference Matters
In the unforgiving theatre of LaLiga, merely winning isn`t always enough. Goal difference, often an afterthought, can be the deciding factor in a fiercely contested title race. As rivals like Barcelona demonstrate their capacity for emphatic, five-goal hauls, Real Madrid cannot afford to merely scrape by. Running up the score, particularly against newly promoted teams, isn`t just about pride; it`s a strategic imperative.
The early stumbles of rivals, with Atletico Madrid managing only a single point from their first two matches, present an immediate opportunity for Real Madrid to open a psychological and numerical gap. Seizing this advantage, even in the nascent stages of the season, can be crucial for re-establishing their claim as undisputed title favorites.
The Road Ahead: Forging a Cohesive Attack
Xabi Alonso faces an intriguing challenge. He inherited a squad brimming with individual brilliance but tasked with weaving it into a cohesive, unstoppable attacking force. The initial results, while not disastrous, are a clear signal that the tactical puzzle is far from complete. The Bernabéu awaits the return of that familiar spark, that effortless dominance that has defined Real Madrid for generations. The pieces are there; it`s now up to Alonso to arrange them into a masterpiece.