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The Real Madrid fever had hit Abu Dhabi in the past week. Los Blancos came to UAE's capital to participate in FIFA's Club World Cup as the representative of the European Continent.
The Spanish giants came into this tournament after a solid 5-0 win against a tough Sevilla side, that helped raise their low morale due to shaky performances throughout this season.
Being among the lucky ones to watch Zidane's squad live from the stadium, I was able to identify the key factors, players, and movements that altogether give an idea of Los Merengues' season so far:
#5 Karim Benzema's trough
Once considered one of the best strikers of his generation, Karim Benzema is currently living the worst period of his footballing career. Never before have I seen fans jeering a certain player like what happened whenever Benzema made a wrong pass or was substituted.
Zidane constantly defends his team's striker saying that he "will defend Benzema to death." However, it wouldn't be enough to change the striker's mood - head held down in despair when substituted, depressed body language on the field, lack of focus and energy during play, and loads of missed chances that should've been goals.
Those are signs of a player who is really suffering on a mental and psychological level, and it's up to Zidane to figure out a way to get his striker back on track.
#4 Raphael Varane pushing up
During the Final against Gremio, Real Madrid had major control of the game by dominating possession; Gremio conceded the ball and fell back to condense the team's lines in the middle. This resulted in space being granted for Madrid's centre-backs - Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos, for them to advance with the ball.
Typically, Ramos would be the one pushing into opponent's middle third; however, Varane was seen taking the ball and sprinting into space, showing extraordinary calmness and brilliant dribbling quality.
His courageousness in moving the ball upfield opened up passing lanes for his midfield teammates Luke Modric and Toni Kroos, allowing the team to circulate the ball better and find spaces behind Gremio's midfield line.
#3 Isco marginalized on the wings
When reverting to 4-3-3, Isco becomes the right winger replacing Gareth Bale, with the freedom to overload the left wing along with Marcelo prompting Ronaldo to become the second striker.
The Spaniard's magnificent abilities are perfectly suited for playing as an attacking midfielder, similar to the role he played in the historic 2016/2017 season. Shifting him to the wing kills the advantage Isco thrives on; having a 180° field view that is utilized effectively when he plays as the tip of the diamond in the famous 4-3-1-2.
Moreover, the Spanish trequartista doesn't have the necessary pace to burst away from his markers and create an opportunity to cross. This was seen against Gremio as he always looked for runners in behind to release them into space, or else he'd shield the ball and wait, thus killing the fast tempo Zidane demands from his players.
#2 Ronaldo and Benzema Dropping to Midfield
Last season, we saw an interesting chain-like movement along Real Madrid's frontline: Cristiano Ronaldo would get into the box, Karim Benzema would drop next to Isco, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos used to move up in their respective half-space, and Dani Carvajal, along with Marcelo used to push up to become attacking wingers.
The result would be an overwhelming attacking display that would leave the opponent breathless and exhausted.
During the Club World Cup, Ronaldo was seen dropping next to Benzema leaving the penalty box unoccupied. This tactic can work if the midfielders were tasked with making runs behind the opposing defenders. However, this wasn't the case against Gremio, resulting in stagnant possession phases from Zidane's men.
Ronaldo is the world's best striker at the moment, with an eye for goal that is unmatched all over the world. Maybe Zidane was testing the False 9 tactic with him, taking advantage of the Portuguese's speed and football IQ.
With few necessary tweaks, this plan might just propel Real Madrid towards even more success.
#1 Madrid's Cruyff: Luka Modric
Real Madrid's dynamo, maestro, tempo controller, you name it. Mesmerizing display from the Croatian to once again prove that age is just a number; 32-years-old, but playing like an energetic teenager.
Luka Modric was found all over the pitch, his defensive work was as important as his attacking efforts.
Playing as the right central midfielder, Modric had the authority to roam freely around the pitch whenever he saw fit; whether it was for overloading, dragging his marker away, opening up a passing lane, or applying pressure, he simply knew what to do in each scenario of the match.
If Luka Modric keeps up his solid performances, it will be just what the doctor ordered to get Real Madrid's mojo back and challenge Barcelona for the La Liga title yet again.
