Real Madrid are already in the final stretch of the season, heading for a second season without a trophy, with Barcelona nine points ahead with seven games to go. In this way, few conclusions are going to be drawn from what remains in terms of decision-making, which is not only logically affects the future of Alvaro Arbeloa, the last to arrive and without much time to apply his method, but that Madrid has decided that he will not continue unless there is a major surprise.
Real Madrid decided after the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s reign that the team needed to strengthen its defence. To this end, three of the four reinforcements in the market were in the backline. In order of cost, Huijsen (€62 million from Bournemouth), Carreras (€50 million from Benfica) and Trent (arrived on a free transfer but Madrid paid €5 million for him to play in the Club World Cup, €10 million according to Liverpool). The most exciting reinforcement, however, was Mastantuono, a pearl from River Plate, for whom Madrid paid around €63 million in transfers and taxes.
In the most decisive game of the season, last Wednesday against Bayern, only Trent was in the starting eleven. Mastantuno came on in the 89th minute in search of a miracle and Huijsen and Carreras did not appear. It is the summary of a more than irregular campaign from which the former Liverpool player has not been saved although he has earned his place in the last month. Each one has taken their own path, but they have not been saved from doubts and whistles from the Bernabeu, some more than others.
Xabi Alonso strongly backed the three defensive reinforcements and Mastantuono. Huijsen also took advantage of the absences in defence of Rudiger and Militao to settle in quickly despite his youth. It was a gamble that everyone applauded after establishing himself so young with Luis de la Fuente, but with the return of these two and doubts in high-profile matches, he lost presence in the final stretch and heard whistles from the Bernabeu crowd.
Something similar happened with Carreras. Matches such as the derby or the first leg against Bayern did not help him, despite the fact that he has almost always been the first choice. However, Mendy, with just five games throughout the campaign, has ended up convincing Arbeloa for the first leg against City and this duel against Bayern.
In Trent’s case, injuries have not helped him either in this first campaign. Unlike the other three reinforcements, he only won his place at the end after starting with Xabi in the Club World Cup. His defensive work has left doubts and the best thing he has, his striking and his runs, have left signs only at the end, when it was already too late.
Mastantuono’s downhill
Mastantuono’s downhill slope is steeper than that of any of the other reinforcements. He was always present in Xabi’s best Madrid, when he was leader. Although he did not shine excessively offensively, the Basque valued his work rate and his work. It all seemed a matter of time. However, even with Xabi, the downhill slide began. He dropped out of the starting eleven in the Clasico and shortly afterwards suffered a groin injury. Not being 100 per cent fit, he gradually lost his way.
Arbeloa’s arrival did not change the trend, but rather it increased. And even more so after his red card in stoppage time in the home defeat to Getafe, which was not necessary. Two games of punishment. He has not found a place on the right flank and in the center, where he feels most comfortable, he has too many competitors. The most positive thing is that he is a future bet for the club. It is normal to consider this first year as one of adaptation and that with a more advanced team he will show more things to avoid a failure that would undoubtedly be resounding.
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