The
heavy summer spending is finally producing results since Los Merengues are
starting to look like the team capable of challenging for honours but there
still appear to be some areas of the team that need reinforcing. With Pepe already
out for the season, Pellegrini desperately need a replacement for the
Portuguese, as well as for a couple of underperformers in the squad.
Weak
spot: Left-back
Real
have three players capable of covering for this position and none of them looks
too confident in this role. Royston Drenthe is probably wondering himself what
he is doing at a club like Real and no wonder he remains just a fringe player,
while Marcelo lacks the defensive qualities to occupy this position, which is
why he was moved further up field by Manuel Pellegrini. Current first choice
left-back Alvaro Arbeloa doesn’t offer anything special in either attack or
defence and it seems every player in the squad would be able to do his job
without too many problems.
Solution:
Joan Capdevilla
Villarreal
and Spain first choice left-back Joan Capdevila would be a perfect short-term
solution since he is without a doubt the best Spanish player in that position
and he is certainly capable of playing at least two more years at the highest
level. Capdevila offers a lot of options when going forward, while he is also
very reliable at the back and in my opinion, he would be an instant hit at
Real.
Weak
spot: Centre-back
Pepe’s
season-ending injury has caused a lot of problems at the back since the
Portuguese had clicked well with Raul Albiol, who now needs a new partner. I
don’t think that Sergio Ramos should be moved from the right-back position that
he has really made his own this season since that would create big problems on either
side of defence, while the lack of funds may prevent Los Merengues from signing
a worthy replacement.
Solution:
Ezequiel Garay
Instead
of spending a lot of cash on a player who will need time to adapt to the new
surroundings, Manuel Pellegrini should give Ezequiel Garay a chance to shine since
the Argentine has already shown a lot of potential. Garay is quick, strong and
very dangerous for the opponent from set-pieces, which makes him a perfect
player for Real Madrid. Garay has started the last two games in 2009 and he
looks to have done enough to earn Pellegrini’s trust, thus he already looks
like a very good replacement for Pepe.
Real also
need cover in other areas if they are to challenge for honours this season but
midfield and attack are looking good at the moment, with Alonso and Lass
dominating the centre of the park, allowing Kaka and Ronaldo to work their
magic higher up the pitch. The fact that Los Merengues have dropped just 8
points in 15 league games proves they are serious title contenders this season and
even though Primera betting odds currently favour Barcelona, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Real lift the
coveted trophy at the end of the season.
