The backlash in Spain and elsewhere was predictable even before the match concluded at the Santiago Bernabeu. Critics argue that Florentino Perez undermined a promising Real Madrid team by unnecessarily disrupting its dynamics with a superstar signing. Arsenal, a well-organized team reminiscent of the European champions at their peak in 2024, dismantled a Real Madrid side that evoked memories of Perez`s early 2000s era, where lavish spending on star players overshadowed fundamental team needs.
However, the “Galactico” approach isn`t inherently flawed. Instead, its effectiveness must be increased to achieve better results. This season, Real Madrid`s primary issue isn`t the acquisition of Kylian Mbappe, but rather the failure to adequately replace Toni Kroos.
Federico Valverde inherited the No.8 jersey and has consistently delivered strong performances throughout the season. Even in defeat, the Uruguayan stood out as one of the few Real Madrid players who performed well. Valverde fulfilled every expectation, even playing at right-back in the first leg and becoming the main creative outlet during the second leg at the Bernabeu. He had the most touches, pass attempts, and ball progression in the match. Yet, these roles don`t fully utilize his best attributes.
Real Madrid`s crucial missing element against Arsenal was a deep-lying playmaker, a player capable of identifying and exploiting subtle vulnerabilities within Arsenal`s defensive structure with precise, incisive passes. Think of Kroos`s performance in last season`s Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, where his 22 progressive passes stretched the opposition and facilitated Real Madrid`s attacks.
In contrast, Real Madrid`s attacking play against Arsenal lacked fluidity and direction. Luka Modric, in his prime, could have been the player to unlock defenses, and while still capable, his age was exposed in the first leg.
Without a deep-lying tempo-setter, Real Madrid`s game plan seemed limited to feeding the ball to their star forwards. Possession stagnated on the left flank, where Jurrien Timber effectively contained Vinicius Junior. The right flank offered little improvement. Pass maps from the game highlight this issue, showing a lack of passes into central areas between Arsenal`s lines where Real Madrid could be most dangerous. While Declan Rice and Thomas Partey`s defensive work played a role, top Real Madrid teams are known for breaking through even the tightest defenses.
Real Madrid needed a player who dictates movement, whose passing ability compels teammates to make runs, confident the ball will reach them. A player with exceptional vision and passing range. Someone like Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Acquiring Alexander-Arnold, potentially on July 1st, wouldn`t solve all of Real Madrid`s problems and might introduce new challenges. His defensive vulnerabilities are often exaggerated, and his attacking contributions more than compensate. However, Real Madrid currently lacks a center-back of Ibrahima Konate`s caliber to cover him defensively. Integrating Alexander-Arnold would require tactical adjustments, which may take time to fully realize their benefits.
Ultimately, this defeat against Arsenal highlighted the value of a well-organized and disciplined team, qualities Real Madrid demonstrated last season. Returning to that mindset is essential for reclaiming their place at the top of European football. Addressing their squad`s weaknesses is also crucial, and Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be the perfect solution to a significant one.
