Real Madrid Eyes Defensive Reinforcements Amid Vulnerabilities

Real Madrid has conceded six goals in their six La Liga games this season, with three of them coming against Atletico Madrid. While it’s early in the season, there’s a growing sense that the absence of Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao has made Los Blancos more vulnerable defensively.

With a lack of a top-class striker in their squad, Real Madrid’s chances of outscoring opponents are slimmer this season, making their defensive record more crucial.

The performance of their full-backs has been a contributing factor to their struggles. Dani Carvajal has been excellent, but Lucas Vazquez had difficulties against Atletico, and Carvajal has faced fitness issues. Ferland Mendy’s availability has been unreliable for some time, forcing Fran Garcia to step in at left-back. While Garcia has shown promise, he has also been exposed defensively.

Reports indicate that Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, who has yet to feature under Mauricio Pochettino this season, is looking for a way out in January. Real Madrid has reportedly inquired about Cucurella and is interested in a low-cost loan deal. They are not willing to meet Chelsea’s asking price of close to €50 million for a permanent transfer.

Cucurella, a Barcelona academy product, has always had an affinity for Barcelona. However, it’s unlikely that better options will be available to him in January. Real Madrid, with their current system, would require Cucurella to cover the entire left flank on his own, even though his most successful stint in Spain came as a left midfielder.