The criticism in Spain and elsewhere started well before the end of the match at the Santiago Bernabeu. Some argue that Florentino Perez disrupted a strong Real Madrid team by introducing a superstar, hindering their performance. Arsenal, a well-organized team reminiscent of the best European champions, exposed Real Madrid, who at times resembled the less successful, extravagant teams of the mid-2000s under Perez.
However, the Galactico concept itself isn`t the issue. Instead, Real Madrid needs to enhance their Galactico-level talent to achieve better results. This season`s problem isn`t the signing of Kylian Mbappe, but rather the failure to properly replace Toni Kroos.
Federico Valverde, despite receiving the No. 8 jersey, has performed admirably throughout the season. Even in this loss, he was one of the few Real Madrid players who played well. Valverde has exceeded expectations, filling in at right-back in the first leg and being a key player in possession during the second leg at the Bernabeu. He had the most touches, attempted the most passes, and progressed the ball furthest upfield. However, this role doesn`t perfectly suit his strengths.
Real Madrid`s main weakness against Arsenal was the absence of a deep-lying playmaker, a player capable of identifying and exploiting small gaps in Arsenal`s defensive structure with precise passes. Think of Kroos`s performance against Bayern Munich in last season`s semi-final second leg, where his 22 progressive passes opened up the play and propelled Madrid into the final third.
In contrast, Real Madrid`s attempts to break down Arsenal`s defense appeared sluggish and predictable. Luka Modric might have been able to provide that creative spark in the past, and still possesses the ability, but his declining athleticism at his age was evident in the first leg.
Without a deep tempo-setting midfielder, there was no clear strategy to advance the ball beyond simply passing to the forwards. Possession stagnated on the left flank, where Vinicius Junior was effectively contained by Jurrien Timber. The right flank was equally ineffective. The pass map from the game highlights this, showing a lack of passes into central areas between Arsenal`s lines where Madrid could be most dangerous. While Declan Rice and Thomas Partey defended those areas well, the best Real Madrid attacks are known for threading the needle in tight spaces.
Real Madrid needed a player who could inspire movement from his teammates, a player whose command of possession is so strong that his teammates instinctively make runs, knowing the ball will reach them. A player with exceptional passing vision. Someone like Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Bringing in Alexander-Arnold might have changed the game on Wednesday. Their 43 crosses from open play, the most since November 2018, often lacked a target and were easily cleared by William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior. More importantly, a consistent Alexander-Arnold could reduce Madrid`s reliance on crosses and desperate long shots. A true progressive passer in midfield would provide Vinicius and Mbappe with the quick, incisive passes they need to attack Arsenal before Rice and Partey can regroup.
If Alexander-Arnold joins on July 1st, as expected, he won`t solve every problem and might introduce new ones. His defensive vulnerabilities are often exaggerated and are outweighed by his attacking contributions. However, Madrid currently lacks a center-back of Ibrahima Konate`s caliber to cover him defensively on the flanks. Integrating Alexander-Arnold will require tactical adjustments, which may take time to be fully effective.
Ultimately, this defeat to Arsenal highlighted the importance of team organization and diligence, qualities that defined Real Madrid last season. To return to the top of European football, they must rediscover that approach. However, addressing their team`s weaknesses is also crucial. And Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be the perfect solution to one of their most significant problems.