Florentino Perez always tries to bring star players and coaches to Santiago Bernabeu, but the tactical concept of “creamy” often seemed vague. Blancos often find ways to win rivals, but most of this process seems to be imprisoned. Hubi Alonso uses a different approach.
Being a player, he controlled the game and the ball, and now transfers this approach to coaching. Alonso knows that there is a lot of work ahead, despite the good start of the season, but there are signs that he will make this team high quality. The new Real Madrid coach does not rely in the event – he wants to control the situation.
The first priority of Habi in the Royal Club was to improve the game of defense, which he achieved, improving the game with the ball. Last season, “creamy” missed 1.47 counterattacks on average per match, but with the arrival of Alonso, this figure decreased to 0.83.
For several years in a row, Blancos’s ability to press was volatile, and sometimes was absent. They have changed the situation this season – they press more focused and comprehensively. The number of gears that “Real” allows the opponent to do before trying to turn the ball, this season decreased to 10.8 per game compared to 12.1 in the previous one.
“Creamy” provokes the opponent on the loss of the ball, which turns into blows on the gate – on average 2.5 per match against 1.2 last season.
When the team of the best attackers in the world attacks uncertain defense twice as often as last year, it is obvious that the result will be more effective.
The point is not only that Blancos creates more moments for themselves, but also that they make the opponent adjust. Teams are increasingly coming out of their half of the field, fearing the pressing from the players of Real Madrid. At hub attacks develop a little longer.
A few additional gears help the players take the right positions. And this fits into the philosophy of Alonso, who prefers to defend himself with the ball, not without it. “Creamy” really have a lot of the ball – an average of about 70% of the time per match.
Kilian Mbappe is the most striking player of Real Madrid in the current season, but in his background are less noticeable other football players, who also benefit the team. For example, Alvaro Carreras. Despite the larger and louder transfers of “creamy” last summer, the return of the club pet has become one of the best solutions.
Trenoth had difficulty adaptation, Dean Haseen and Franco Masttuono play an important role, but Carreras became one of the key players for Habi. More precisely, for its system. For example, in a match against Lewante, Alvaro returned the ball to his team 16 times – this is a record among the field players this season La League.
It is ideal for the role of a flank defender, and Fulbeca is still important for the Alonso system. Carreras is actively moving the left flank, has good defensive qualities and can play at different positions, including in the center of defense, which is important, given the frequent problems of “Blancos” with defenders.
The ability to adapt has become another key aspect of Habi’s career as a Real Madrid coach. Most often, his system is built around players, not imposing certain roles in advance. Its 3.6 replacement for the game is the sixth indicator in the league and a clear evidence that Alonso continues to search for the best composition. But at the same time he maintains a balance, which helps his team win.
Although in some aspects, stability can be seen. For example, Alonso always prefers to play with two supporters. Orelen Tchumen and Federico Valverde look the best options in the center of the field. This is especially true of the Uruguayan, which can affect the game from any position.
The fact that he no longer extinguits all over the field, but works in a particular place, was in favor of both him and the team. It interacts well with both Tchumen, with Sabalos, and with any other player. Valverde remains a quality station wagon, but everyone needs to have a clearer role and position on the field.
Well, of course, Mbappe. Undoubtedly, Kilian is now the most striking representative of the Royal Club on the field. The Frenchman went to Real Madrid to win the Champions League and get closer to the Golden Ball. Having taken only 7th in the ranking this year (the lowest result for 6 years), he felt that he was moving away from the award rather than approaching it.
Apparently, Mbappe intends to remedy the situation. This season, he has already scored 9 goals in the championship-more in the top League only in Harry Kane (11 goals). Kilian also leads in Europe in the number of gates – an average of 6.2 per match.
In general, Real has started well under the leadership of Alonso: 1st place in La League and 2 wins in the Champions League. But it is also worth noting that Habi failed the first serious check, defeating Athletico with a score of 2: 5. Further, the “creamy” will have more top orders: “Juventus”, “Barcelona”, “Liverpool”.
It may be too early to evaluate the prospects of Blancos from Alonso, but they will show how ready the team is now, and what weaknesses it has. In Reality, Habbi is trusted, there is no doubt, but matches such as Athletico can even shake his status.
Author: Sergey Zavalko
According to The Analyst
Source: Sport.ua