Gonzalo Garcia’s 3rd goal in 4 games was enough to see Real Madrid past Juventus. Back to back clean sheets for the back 3. On to the Quarter finals!
Xabi’s men struggled early doors with Juventus and could have been behind a goal or two. Los Blancos eventually started to play how they want in the second half and on another day, the MoTM award would have been awarded to the Juventus goalkeeper. Fede Valverde put in a captain’s performance with his work on both sides of the ball.
Xabi Alonso made it plain before the first match that his team will only be good at the end of the tournament.
Arda Guler is the profile Real Madrid were lacking in midfield. Xabi Alonso has trusted the youngster by making him a key player at the CWC when there are more experienced players around. Arda has not disappointed so far. While he is still learning and adapting, his presence in midfield gives the kind of control and patience often lacking with most of the players. The likes of Vinicius, Jude and Fede tend to force the issue. It’s what makes them great at what they do but it also has a down sound. Lack of control.
The manager can help players learn and develop but he cannot change the player’s personality. When pushed to the limit the players do what comes naturally and that’s where most managers learn to accept that you have to use players according to their strengths primarily before you can try to make them into something else.
There’s been a lot of talk about Joselu and the need for a blunt instrument to give the team a different look in certain situations. The desire for a striker who is hardly mobile in the modern game is a head scratcher. Gonzalo Garcia is not like Joselu. They’re not the same profile. Gonzalo is more complete. He’s not merely planted in the box to win headers or score rebounds. He’s a modern forward whereas Joselu is a traditional number 9.
It is quite possible that many have not seen the journey of the young Brazilian superstar or have merely forgotten his humble beginnings. Vinicius has always had heart above everything else. Before he learned to time his runs and execute perfectly time through balls with the outside of his foot or finish like a seasoned number 9, he had heart. He adapted under Solari to be the outlet. Adapted under Zidane to be a two-way winger. Adapted under Ancelotti to be the star of the team alongside Benzema. And then adapted again after Benzema left to be the main man. He will adapt again under Xabi to do what he is asked, whether to press or track back or pass the ball to Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid fans are spoiled beyond measure to have a player like Vinicius Junior. But then again..
During the second half with Real Madrid comfortably in possession, Jude Bellingham had a go at Arda Guler who talked back to the Englishman and eventually waved him off. Shortly after Arda Guler chased the ball all the way to the opposition back line and eventually from the right side of the pitch to the left.
Arda Guler is only a year younger than Bellingham.
Fede Valverde is not one to have a go at his teammates. He leads by example.
Courtois said after the match that young players have to speak up regardless of age or seniority. They need to be able to call out their teammates and communicate. Jude has it in him. Huijsen too. The players have to get into the habit of demanding more from each other.
