La Liga: The Resurgence of Real Madrid
After a string of defeats and disappointments, Real Madrid has finally shown signs of improvement. With convincing victories in their last two La Liga games, they seem to have finally regained their touch. So, what has Zidane changed in the last two games?
Zidane's Diamond
Zidane’s diamond system worked great last season, their domination of Europe is a testament to it. But the diamond was never invincible rather far from it. The diamond was never Zidane’s first choice. The loss of Bale to an injury forced him to adapt and the diamond was the best thing he could try. Bale’s injury meant that the 4-3- 3 system that Madrid used so effectively a season before was no longer an option.
Bale’s pace and brilliance were crucial for the 4-3- 3 to work; his absence meant that Zidane had to look elsewhere. Bale’s loss was never felt as Zidane effectively used James Rodriguez, Morata and Isco last season. The trio was often rotated according to the team’s need so this meant that the 4-3- 3 needed to be changed. Thus the 4-3- 1-2 was born.
Throughout the first half of this season, Zidane used the 4-3- 1-2 formation. Isco was an essential part of this system. He provided the link between the two midfielders and the strikers. For Madrid Bale wasn’t just an attacking tool, he also did his fair share of defensive duties, often tracking back to defend the wings to cover Carvajal. This meant that during defense, Madrid were essentially a 4-4- 2 defensive wall.
Bale’s recent arrival brought in the much-needed energy and creativity the team required. This meant that Madrid could use its feared 4-3- 3 system. The 4-3- 3 lets Zidane rely less on his substitutes and also provides the width that Madrid prefers to attack with. The effectiveness of this system is evident with the huge number of goals Madrid have managed to score in their last two games. They have scored 11 goals in the two games of which 4 have come from Ronaldo and 2 from Bale
Isco is the Link
Zidane used Isco not only as a link between the strikers and the midfield but he also gave him the responsibility to track back and defend. This meant that Madrid would shift into a 4-4- 2.
Last season Zidane had a strong bench, consisting of star players such as Morata and James Rodriguez, a luxury he clearly doesn’t have this season. The experience and talent they possessed meant that Madrid could use them according to the situation.
This season had Madrid suffered as it clearly lacked experienced players on its bench. Benzema's loss of form and Ronaldo’s dry spell in the La Liga meant that it was going to be all the more difficult. The absence of players such as Carvajal and Ramos due to injuries earlier this season meant that even its defense was depleted.
Ronaldo's shifting role
Ronaldo Throughout his career has either played as a winger or as a striker. His blistering pace and magical step-overs have left defenders bamboozled. In the last few years, he has played a role more similar to that of a striker. At 32 years old he isn't able to run across the field without losing steam..
Zidane has realized this change in Ronaldo and thus has created a 4-3- 3 system revolving around him. Last season's 4-3- 1-2 diamond had restricted Ronaldo's movement, turning him into a number 9 of sorts. With Zidane reverting back to the 4-3- 3, Ronaldo has once again found the freedom to move wide across the pitch, often stretching the opposition's defence. This has led to some intelligent passing in the final third of the pitch.
Author’s take:
Zidane has been successful in bringing Madrid back to its winning ways, the two major factors being; Bale’s arrival and the use of his much favored 4-3- 3 system. Madrid’s system will be put to its ultimate test when it faces PSG this month at the Santiago Bernabéu. The outcome will decide Real Madrid’s fate this season.
