Four talking themes from Real Madrid’s first two LaLiga games
Real Madrid began the season with the devastating loss of two of their defensive pillars, Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao, for the entire season due to ACL injuries, but the team has reacted well and racked up all six points from the first two games.
Dani Carvajal
Real Madrid’s right-back position has been a key source of concern in recent seasons, both defensively and offensively. Dani Carvajal, wearing the Captain’s armband, has displayed signs of hope at the start of this campaign. Carvajal has been a significant creative outlet, receiving the second-most progressive passes in the league and generating more shot creating actions from live passes than only Fede Valverde and Vinicius. So far, he has assisted Madrid in opening the scoring in both games.
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Carvajal has been offensively crucial once again, having the second-most touches in the attacking third and leading the club in crosses provided. He leads Real in both combined tackles and interceptions. Carvajal’s fitness has always been a source of concern, and it unfortunately remains so today. A Carvajal remontada, on the other hand, could be on the horizon if his health is better controlled this season.
Fran Garcia
With Ferland Mendy out injured, Fran Garcia’s life as Real Madrid’s undisputed left defender has been hectic in the early parts of 2017 LaLiga season. Garcia has recovered well in Mendy’s absence after a difficult debut against Athletic Club. As Vinicius Junior adjusts to a more pivotal role in attack, the teenage fullback’s driving runs down the left flank will be crucial for Los Blancos this season.
Garcia has shown resilience after being trusted with a starting role at his childhood club, despite his initial trepidation. He has been somewhat involved. In the first two games, only two outfielders on the squad had collected more progressive distance with their passes than Fran Garcia. His ability to surge forward and create width on the left will help open up space in the final third for Vinicius and others. For example, his deft movement almost provided an opportunity for Real Madrid on this occasion:
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Rodrygo
Rodrygo, Real Madrid’s de facto centre forward, has been heavily involved in the attack despite the need for more shots. He is practically on par with Vinicius Junior in terms of expected goals (xG), progressive carries, and penalty area passes. Rodrygo has generally approached the box well and could have added a few more goals than one in the first two games. However, simply being threatening is insufficient for Real Madrid, who are currently without a true number 9 this season. Some of the chances that fell to him were from unusual angles, but Rodrygo must start converting a few of these at some point.
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Judemania
Not only has Jude ‘Pichichi’ Bellingham created havoc on the field, but he is also attracting a lot of media attention and admiration for Real Madrid. The club rarely spends in public relations because they believe their name is sufficient. However, many players have not received the recognition they deserve outside of Madrid. Bellingham has the potential to change that. His leadership was on display against Almeria when he calmed Vinicius Junior after a foul – a seemingly little incident that garnered headlines in English publications such as ESPN.
Aside from his outstanding achievements, Bellingham’s appearance and demeanour are improving Real’s perception and coverage. Bellingham naturally and enthusiastically throws Los Blancos into the public spotlight for a club that avoids PR and personality. This could enable them finally give some of their world-class but underappreciated players the credit they deserve.
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