Three ways Xabi Alonso can improve his team to turn the situation around at Real Madrid

Key Highlights

• After all, it was almost comical watching Arda Guler marking Erling Haaland given the height difference between the players. Attack from the right-wingWhat stood out in Real Madrid’s game against Manchester City was Rodrygo’s performance and goal scored from the right wing, and it was clear that the Blues did not anticipate that coming from a long way out. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith Vinicius Jr starting on the left flank and Kylian Mbappe also more comfortable drifting in from that side, teams have often overloaded their defensive resources on the left side to curb Real Madrid’s attack. The predictable nature of Real Madrid’s game and buildup from the left flank, needless to say, does not help their case and helps the opposition plan better, given that they know exactly where the attacks are arriving from. Los Blancos, thus, must look to attack equally from both wings to keep opposition defences under uncertainty.
• Rodrygo’s return to form and Franco Mastantuono’s return, needless to say, will help the team in that respect. Penalty box poacherKylian Mbappe has well and truly embraced the goalscoring responsibility at Real Madrid this season and is scoring goals for fun.
• What the team are lacking, however, is a genuine aerial threat given that Mbappe usually scores grounded goals. Real Madrid can’t be overly reliant on Mbappe.
• (Photo by Denis Doyle/)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras gives the side two potent full-backs who can deliver lethal crosses.
• However, there is no player who can capitalise on such chances with a predator’s instinct. Mbappe may not provide an aerial threat, but Endrick has that potential in him, as seen in his cameo against Manchester City, where he came close to scoring a header that clipped the crossbar.