Real Madrid’s recent struggles against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano should raise serious concerns about the team’s current tactical setup. Los Blancos have drifted away from what worked so well just a few
weeks ago — intense pressing and a balanced attack — and the on-field fit between Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé in a 4-3-3 formation looks increasingly untenable.
To get the best out of those three undisputed starters, Xabi Alonso may need to consider a tactical shift: a move to a 4-4-2 diamond. Here are three reasons why that change makes sense.
- The 4-3-3 with Vinícius, Bellingham, and Mbappé doesn’t work. Bellingham’s return from injury has disrupted Madrid’s structure — not because of his performances, but because of how he fits within the current shape. There’s now a clear overlap between the tendencies of the team’s three attacking stars. Bellingham is being asked to play an undefined hybrid role between an 8 and a 10, constantly adjusting to preserve defensive shape. Allowing him to operate as a true number 10, at the tip of a diamond, would give him the freedom to dictate play and arrive late in the box — the same instincts that made him Madrid’s most effective player in his debut season with the club. It would also bring more clarity and balance to the overall system.
- Moving Vinícius or Mbappé to the right isn’t realistic. On paper, one might solve Madrid’s problems by simply shifting Mbappé to the left, Bellingham into a false nine role, and Vinícius to the right. In reality, that’s a non-starter. Neither Vinícius nor Mbappé is comfortable or effective on the right flank, and forcing the issue could damage Alonso’s standing in the dressing room. Both players thrive on the left, and any attempt to shoehorn one of them elsewhere risks alienating two of the club’s biggest stars. It’s quite simply not happening.
- The diamond could unlock Valverde, Alexander-Arnold, and Güler. A midfield featuring Aurélien Tchouaméni, Fede Valverde, and Arda Güler would offer the perfect blend of profiles and balance. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Valverde could naturally provide width and verticality down the right side, while Vinícius would remain free to operate from his preferred left flank. Meanwhile, Mbappé and Bellingham would take charge of the attack through the middle — with Bellingham pushing higher into the box and Mbappé staying central as the main outlet. The result: a more cohesive structure, better spacing, and a system that maximizes Madrid’s extraordinary individual talent without compromising the team’s identity.
Xabi Alonso needs to make adjustments. This squad is loaded with talent, but it lacks cohesion and balance in terms of player profiles. A shift to a 4-4-2 diamond could be exactly what Real Madrid need to restore structure, maximize their stars, and ultimately save their season.
