Antonio Rudiger’s injury, which will sideline him for two to three weeks, presents a major challenge for Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The experienced German defender plays a critical role in the team’s backline, and his absence forces the Italian tactician to rethink his defensive strategy.
With important matches coming up against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City, Ancelotti must make crucial decisions about how to organise the central defence. Let’s explore the options available to him.
One possibility is for Ancelotti to stick with the pairing of Aurelien Tchouameni and Raul Asencio, which he used in the recent game against Espanyol.
However, this combination has raised concerns and Ancelotti is not too convinced about it too.
Tchouameni, while highly talented as a defensive midfielder, lacks the positional awareness and instincts required for a centre-back role. His inexperience in this position could leave gaps that opponents could easily exploit.
Another option involves partnering Tchouameni with David Alaba. The Austrian defender has a wealth of experience and a proven track record as a reliable central defender.
However, Alaba has only recently returned from injury and has played just 70 minutes since his recovery. Pairing him with Tchouameni might help provide more stability, but the Frenchman’s defensive gaps remain a concern.
This pairing seems like the most natural and logical choice, as both Asencio and Alaba are specialist central defenders.
They would bring balance and structure to the backline. However, Alaba’s lack of match fitness could be a problem.
Additionally, there are doubts about whether Ancelotti fully trusts Asencio in high-stakes matches, meaning that it remains to be seen what Ancelotti does against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.
Another intriguing but risky option is moving Ferland Mendy from his usual left-back position to the centre of defence.
Mendy possesses solid defensive instincts, which could make him a useful temporary solution. His defensive awareness is stronger than that of Tchouaméni, making him a more viable option.
If Mendy takes on this role, Fran Garcia would likely fill in as the left-back for crucial matches.
Ancelotti could also consider promoting a player from Real Madrid’s youth ranks. One standout name is Jacobo Ramon, who has already made his first-team debut. Another player, namely, Diego Aguado could be trusted.
While Ramon shows promise, it seems unlikely that Ancelotti will entrust such a young and inexperienced player with key responsibilities against top-tier opponents like Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.
Rudiger’s injury has undoubtedly created a defensive dilemma for Real Madrid. Each available option has its advantages and drawbacks, making it difficult for Ancelotti to settle on a perfect solution.
To begin with, Tchouameni is not entirely convincing as a defender while Asencio does not have Ancelotti’s confidence. Lastly, Alaba has just returned from a long injury lay-off.
The manager’s decision will ultimately hinge on balancing experience, form, and fitness. As Real Madrid prepare for critical fixtures, all eyes will be on his defensive choices and how they impact the team’s overall performance.