These observations — where I look at Real Madrid’s history, its players on loan, Castilla, tactical tidbits, and other relevant thoughts — are now a regular thing. All previous editions can be found here.
Here is a new thing I’m committing to this season: Five semi-informal bullet points after each game.
- Right now, Bernardo Silva looks like the most professional footballer out there (probably co-shared with Arda Güler, who has been Real Madrid’s best pre-season player so far).
Silva steps in and fills an immediate need for Real Madrid, especially post-Rodri snub. If Real Madrid don’t bring in any other midfielder, Silva actually ticks off all the boxes of what Jose Mourinho needs: Experience, cold blood, defensive hustle, tactical discipline, ball control, leadership, ball progression, and, last but not least — a steady head in deep positions who can evade pressure and connect the backline to the attack.
I initially anticipated he would be more of an experienced squad player rather than a sure-fire starter. I was most likely wrong in that assessment, in part because I anticipated one more midfield signing. I don’t think a double pivot of any of these three players — Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchoauemni, Eduardo Camavinga — would be efficient and tactically versatile enough in most cases. Silva has to start to balance the team. - At the end of last season, I stated publicly several times that I would not have extended Antonio Rüdiger’s contract. His expiring deal gave Real Madrid an opportunity to bring in someone younger, with fresher legs — someone entering or in his peak rather than on the wrong end of it.
Bringing this up now has nothing to do with his poor performances in pre-season — I promise. Pre-season means nothing, as you’ll find out in the last bullet point. This is more of a general observation of him: He has put a ton of miles on his feet and it’s showing. Last season he played through pain and struggled with his health. His steps are slower. You can tolerate his unhinged behaviour when he’s playing at a high level — but not when he’s both unhinged and unreliable on the field.
This problem gets expounded when your center-back depth is: Eder Militao (perpetually out with a major injury), Ibrahima Konaté (understandably going through a very difficult time mentally which led to a decline in form + he has an injury history), Dean Huijsen (I believe in him, but he is the least experienced center-back), and Raul Asencio (probably on his way out).
I hope Rüdiger proves me wrong. I would also not be surprised if we see Joan Martinez / Mario Rivas throughout the season given the current center-back situation. - Brahim Diaz needs more respect on his name. He never complains about his place in the squad, can play multiple positions (including a pseudo false-nine role last season when Kylian Mbappe was injured!) and always fights like a honey badger. He is annoying to play against (a wounded World Cup watching Canadian speaking, here).
How good is his control in tight spaces?
Squad players like Brahim should be celebrated. A lot of people had Brahim as a name that’s expendable. Fine… But… Why? Every squad needs a Brahim. - Loaning out Endrick is risky, even if I understand the reasons behind it: Carlos Espi can fill in the Kylian Mbappe role, and Endrick wants to play down the middle, not the wing. Plus: Endrick needs to play and develop. You don’t want his development to stall now.
But I almost think you have to twist Endrick’s arm and convince him to take minutes on the right wing. Being Mbappe’s back-up is an impossible task for anyone, and that “problem” won’t get solved when he returns from loan next season. Also: Who are the back-up wingers to Vinicius and Diomande? Brahim Diaz? There isn’t a plethora of options unless you call up Alexis Ciria. Mbappe wants to play down the middle. Mourinho’s only other options are to put Valverde, Dumfries or Güler in those roles.
I get the case for loaning out Endrick again, but I’m pointing out you may need him too. He’s a hardworking fireball and difficult to defend. - Pre-season means nothing. But I can’t write ‘nothing’ just because it’s pre-season — but feel free to take anything I say (or anyone says) during pre-season with a grain of salt. I’m trying to focus on big picture talking points rather than microanalyzing player performances or results, because pre-season performances and results have never been a premonition of how the season will end up.
