What is the story about?
Positives (?)
- There’s still time, right? Right?! It’s still September 21st and while Barcelona’s current six-point lead seems insurmountable, Real Madrid can still compete for La Liga title if they find their momentum and make the changes they need to make. More on that below.
- Diomande’s dribbling is effective . He completed the most dribbles on the team in just 36 minutes. Diomande should be a starter. Again, more on that below.
Negatives
- It’s time to make tough, maybe unpopular and controversial decisions. Vinicius Junior needs to be benched. His production has not been worthy of a role as an undisputed starter and it is increasingly clear that Diomande provides an upgrade whenever he gets the opportunity to replace him in the lineup. The Valverde-Tchouameni double pivot lacks passing ability and the only way through is to start either Bernardo Silva or Güler in that midfield line. Alexander-Arnold deserves a chance to start over Dumfries as well.
- This is not the Mourinho Real Madrid need. He can either please the egos of the stars and enjoy the same fate as Ancelotti, Alonso and Arbeloa before him or make the changes needed and give himself a chance.
- Barcelona look unbeatable and Madrid have surrendered a six-point deficit after just a handful of games. Chances are this will be the third consecutive trophy-less season for Real Madrid, barring a minor trophy like the Copa del Rey or the Spanish Supercup.
