Now that we have seen enough drama in this season's summer transfer window, here's my quick take on our squad as of now, where exactly are we strong and what more do we need:
I will try to put this squad in Zidane's two favourite formations - 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 diamond. Also explored one more possible formation.
Attack: With Hazard and Jovic added to our attack, I am now more than happy with it. We have checked almost every box that needs to be checked - creativity, physicality, pace, power and precision in front of the goal. In a typical 4-3-3, I can see Hazard as a starter on the left wing, with Vinicius as a sub. Leading the attack we should see Jovic and Benz fighting for the starting spot. And I hope they have a good competition. Although the right wing looks relatively weaker, I think we have enough options - Bale, Vasquez (maybe), Rodrygo (he's lethal on the right wing), Asensio, Brahim. Thus I would not want to overload our attack by adding another big name in the right wing. Hopefully Bale comes back in form and doesn't get injured. Your opinions?
In 4-4-2 system, I can see both Jovic and Benz playing up front and Hazard playing as false 9, rotating with Brahim/Isco/Kubo. I am less in favour of this formation as we have excellent wingers and fullbacks who will thrive in a 4-3-3 system. Plus, youngsters will not get as many opportunities in this formation.
Midfield: I feel this is the weakest link in our squad at the moment. We have a lot of midfielders but we have not checked every box. With Llorente gone, there is no natural competition to Casemiro for the DM position. And if Ceballos also leaves, we will be left with a shallow midfield with over-reliance on Kroos-Casemiro-Modric trio. What if Casemiro is injured (Valverde thrives as a box-to-box midfielder. As a defensive mid? Not sure)? To replace Modric, we have Brahim and Isco but for the other two positions in the mid, we don't have enough suitable options. I think we need a defensive midfielder with good physical strength and ball playing ability (oh, Llorente). From what it looks like, Pogba is not coming this summer. I think Van-De-Beek will not be a bad option to go. Casemiro has to have someone to compete with him. As far as Kroos is concerned, I think Valverde is a natural replacement to him.
There is another point to consider, however. With the current pool of mids and wingers, we might as well opt a flat 4-man midfield with the central midfielders rather deep, linking with the wingers. That way we will have a more balanced mid, but at the expense of over-reliance on the wingers to take the ball to the attacking third. Let's see what Mister does!
Central Defence: With Eder joining us, we should finally have what we were missing since Pepe's departure - a reliable replacement to Varane. Vallejo has no intention to leave, Nacho looks fit and fine and Eder fits perfectly. Hopefully he will be a star signing for us.
Fullbacks/Wingbacks: Marcelo/Mendy on the left and Carvajal/Odriozola on the right. It's gonna be a fierce competition on the left. On the right, I don't see Odriozola starting above Carvajal for a couple of seasons at least. However, I am more than happy with him as a sub to Dani. Hopefully Marcelo strikes his usual form under Zizou. But if there are issues, we have a natural replacement this year unlike last year.
All in all, a ready defence. But it's Madrid defence afterall, so don't expect us to not concede goals in each match. And remember we have Zizou's black magic back with us this season. Heart attacks are back!
GK: Courtois/Navas/Lunin should be good enough competition for GK position. Nothing much to say here.
In my opinion, we need another midfield, preferably a defensive midfielder and we should be good to compete in all competitions this season. How do all these signings fare? Only time will tell. Your views?
