Real Madrid talking points as Vinicius is poised for spotlight if Bale flops

Andy West 00:14 03/11/2018
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  • Santi Solari takes charge of his first league game as Real Madrid manager on Saturday afternoon, knowing that a healthy victory over visiting Real Valladolid is his only chance of extending his interim manager role into a permanent appointment.

    The former Real winger oversaw a comfortable 4-0 midweek Copa Del Rey victory over third tier Melilla in his first game in charge, but this will be an altogether different proposition against a Valladolid team who should not be underestimated.

    Let’s take a look at the game’s key talking points.

    Defensive reshuffle amid injury crisis

    Solari’s efforts to tighten up a shockingly leaky defence have been hampered by a growing injury list with Raphael Varane and Marcelo joining Dani Carvajal and Jesus Vallejo on the sidelines, leaving the interim coach with only one member – Sergio Ramos – of the established back four available.

    Ramos is likely to be partnered in the heart of defence by Nacho, with young right-back Alvaro Odriozola expected to receive an opportunity many feel he should have been given weeks ago by axed boss Julen Lopetegui, while 21 year-old Sergio Reguilon could be handed his league debut at left-back.

    There is also a debate over the goalkeeping position, with many observers believing Keylor Navas should be reinstated as first choice ahead of Thibaut Courtois.

    Irrespective of the identity of the individuals, however, the chief task for Solari is to encourage a more focused and hard-working attitude towards defensive work throughout the whole team. The last few weeks have been littered by a catalogue of sloppy mistakes and lazy positional play, leading to no clean sheets in the last six outings and the 7th worst defensive record in La Liga, with 14 goals conceded in 10 games.

    That will only change if the collective mental approach changes, and this weekend’s contest will shed a great deal of light upon whether Solari has been able to instill a more disciplined mindset among his players.

    Marcelo

    Marcelo

    Can Bale seize spotlight or will Vinicius shine?

    In addition to new manager Solari, misfiring winger Gareth Bale is the talk of the town as Real look to get their season back on track with a convincing win. The Welshman started the season in great form but has been conspicuous by his absence in the last few weeks, failing to score in La Liga for more than two months and suffering the indignity of being substituted during last weekend’s mauling at Barcelona.

    Bale’s poor performances have earned him particularly stern criticism from former Real player and sporting director Jorge Valdano, who is now one of Spain’s foremost pundits. But Solari has been eager to express his confidence in the former Tottenham man, saying that Bale has “enormous qualities” and adding “the spotlight is on him”.

    If Bale fails to deliver, though, Real fans are sure to exert strong pressure on Solari to replace him with teen sensation Vinicius Junior, who has barely featured since joining from Flamengo in the summer but delivered an excellent display in the midweek cup win at Melilla.

    Solari knows exactly what Vinicius is capable of, having coached him for the B team over the last few weeks, and the 18-year-old is poised to become the biggest individual beneficiary of Solari’s sudden elevation in status – especially if Bale flops again.

    Vinicius Junior.

    Vinicius Junior.

    Can confident Valladolid upset the odds?

    Although it’s inevitable that all the pre-game attention is focussed upon the home side, it should not be forgotten that visitors Valladolid are having a very solid first season back in the top flight, entering the game two points and three places better off than Real.

    Their chief strength lies at the back, with just seven goals conceded giving them the second best defensive record in the division after Atletico Madrid. It helps that manager Sergio Gonzalez has been able to name an unchanged back five for every game so far, with former Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Matip and homegrown centre back Fernando Calero earning particular praise for their consistent performances.

    But they can also threaten in attack, especially through skilful winger Toni Suarez, whose ability to run with the ball at pace down the left wing could allow him to exploit an area which has been a particular weakness for Real in the last few weeks.

    Valladolid are unbeaten away from home all season, winning their last two league road games 1-0 against dangerous Real Betis and Villarreal, and they certainly won’t be heading to the Bernabeu to become Solari’s party piece.

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