Xabi Considers Strengthening Midfield with Camavinga as Mastantuono Falters
Real Madrid’s manager Xabi Alonso faces a crucial test as he prepares for his first ‘Clásico’ against Barcelona. This pivotal match comes after back-to-back heavy defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid. Alonso’s past experience against Barcelona has not been favorable, having never won as a player in a Madrid jersey. Another loss could jeopardize his ongoing project, despite having a three-year contract with the club.
Xabi’s Tactical Decisions: Midfield Focus on Camavinga
Alonso’s recent choices have come under scrutiny, particularly regarding his midfield strategy. In a recent match against Atlético, he faced criticism for his tactical setup, notably for relying on Jude Bellingham, who had been out of form, instead of selecting Mastantuono. Fortunately, Bellingham’s goal against Juventus has eased some concerns regarding his performance.
Currently, Alonso is deliberating whether to reinforce the midfield by including Eduardo Camavinga. The young Frenchman has impressed the coach with his dynamic play. Last week, he successfully partnered with Aurélien Tchouaméni, helping secure a clean sheet in a match against Getafe. This successful pairing has raised questions about whether to strengthen the midfield further or to maintain an aggressive front line.
Mastantuono’s Struggles and Potential Lineup Changes
- Mastantuono has played 599 minutes across 11 matches, scoring once and assisting once.
- In contrast, Vinícius and Kylian Mbappé have shown stronger offensive contributions.
- Rodrygo and Brahim are also viable options for the front line, each with commendable statistics.
Despite showing promise, Mastantuono’s influence on the field has been underwhelming compared to other attackers. Alonso’s commitment to playing him raises concerns within the squad about consistency and meritocracy in selection. Some players question the ongoing support for the young Argentine, particularly when more seasoned players like Brahim have shown better performance metrics in fewer minutes.
Strategies for Success Against Barcelona
Facing Barcelona, Alonso is expected to focus on disrupting the Catalan midfield, which includes key players like Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. By collapsing their midfield, Madrid aims to create scoring opportunities through quick, aggressive play. Bellingham’s role will be critical, potentially making him a decisive factor in the match.
Ultimately, Alonso’s choices in the upcoming game will be vital for his managerial credibility and team morale. A strong performance is necessary to solidify his position and quell rising doubts among fans and management regarding his strategies. As the match approaches, all eyes will be on how he decides to balance his midfield with Camavinga against a potent Barcelona attack.
