It has been a tough start to the new season for Real Madrid. One win in their first three games of the season has ensured that the Galacticos go into the international break feeling outdone by.
To start the season, they have changed formations, sustained lots of injuries to key players and they have not been able to get in any rhythm due to all these changes.
In the three games they have played, they have made changes to the starting eleven in all three fixtures.
To make it even worse, Gareth Bale who is in form of late has been suspended for the next match when they return against Levante who are in good form.
Because of the Welshman’s suspension, the team will have to be tweaked again. Constant changes in formation and lineups do a lot to the team’s cohesion.
In their draw against Villareal, they played a different formation and it was obvious that the team were not used to the new system especially in midfield.
Casemiro and Kroos looked like they didn’t know their roles in a midfield two. They were overrun in midfield at times as well but ultimately it was a poor defensive display by Real in that game.
The two strikers caused problems although they didn’t score. Jovic was involved in the sleek play that led to Real’s first goal.
Gareth Bale scored twice but was also shown his marching orders at the end of the game.
It’s up to manager Zinedine Zidane to decide whether the formation worked for the team or not and keep to it or revert to their usual 4-3-3 formation.
Zidane will also be hoping no player returns from international duty with any injuries as the squad is seriously depleted at the moment.
On the bright side, Eden Hazard is set to make a return from injury against Levante, so is James Rodriguez according to Transfermarkt. Isco is expected to return a week later as well.
They can also be encouraged by the positive performance of new signing Farland Mendy who was very strong defensively especially in 1v1 situations against Samuel Chukwueze.
His performance might be a wake-up call to Marcelo. The Brazillian has never had competition for his spot before but it looks like he does now.
Their fortunes might begin to change if they get a good result against Levante.
Hopefully, a lot of their key players stay clear of injuries for the rest of the season.
