Xabi Considers Strengthening Midfield with Camavinga as Mastantuono Falters
Xabi Alonso faces a critical challenge as he prepares for his first “Clásico” as the head coach of Real Madrid. After experiencing heavy defeats against Paris Saint-Germain (4-0) and Atlético Madrid (5-2), Alonso must prove his credibility against FC Barcelona. The outcome of this match could significantly impact his project at the club, despite having a three-year contract.
Midfield Concerns Ahead of the Clásico
Recently, Alonso has been scrutinized for his tactical decisions. His choice to field Jude Bellingham against Atlético Madrid raised eyebrows, as he opted for a player lacking rhythm over Mastantuono. However, Bellingham’s recent goal against Juventus has somewhat alleviated concerns regarding his performance.
As Alonso contemplates his starting lineup, he faces a dilemma between reinforcing the midfield with Eduardo Camavinga or maintaining an attacking front with Vinícius, Kylian Mbappé, and either Mastantuono, Rodrygo, or Brahim. Camavinga’s dynamic play has impressed Alonso, who previously succeeded in a match against Getafe with a midfield pairing of Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni. This raises questions about whether to solidify the midfield further or focus on an aggressive front.
Mastantuono’s Struggles
- Mastantuono has played 11 matches, accumulating 599 minutes.
- He has recorded one goal and provided one assist.
- In contrast, Vinícius has five goals and five assists in 808 minutes.
- Mbappé has achieved 15 goals and two assists in over 1,000 minutes.
Despite Alonso’s admiration for the 18-year-old Argentine, criticism has emerged regarding his lack of impact compared to other forwards. This inconsistency has left some players questioning Alonso’s commitment to meritocracy, as they believe Brahim or Rodrygo could offer more effective contributions in similar roles.
Strategic Considerations Against Barcelona
In his initial tenure, Alonso is showcasing a cautious approach focused on solid defense. He understands that preventing goals increases their chances of victory. However, the task against Barcelona will require disrupting the midfield orchestrated by Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. Key to this strategy will be leveraging Bellingham’s ability to make late runs into the box, making his role crucial.
The ultimate decision remains whether to bolster the midfield with Camavinga or maintain an attacking lineup with Mastantuono or other substitutes. Alonso is not just focused on team success; a convincing victory is essential to solidify his position and alleviate growing skepticism regarding his decisions.
As match day approaches, all eyes will be on Alonso, who must navigate this decisive moment with clarity and confidence.
