Former LaLiga goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has issued a stern warning to Real Madrid, cautioning that the team risks falling apart if they do not address a recurring tactical oversight. Following Los Blancos’ 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabeu on Saturday—their second consecutive win—Canizares highlighted that while the side’s attacking output is exceptional, the forwards are failing to provide adequate defensive support. He argued that this imbalance will leave the team vulnerable and eventually cost them dearly when they face higher-caliber opponents.
Under the management of Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid has maintained a strong record this term, losing only once in LaLiga play against Real Betis. Despite the collective effort of stars like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior, the team has struggled to keep things tight at the back. In their six league matches so far, Madrid has conceded five goals and managed only a single clean sheet. Offensively, however, the team remains lethal, having netted 16 goals while failing to score in only one fixture.
Amid these tactical debates, Jose Mourinho has taken time to praise the development of Arda Guler. Now in his fourth season since arriving from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023, the 21-year-old midfielder has become a vital component of the squad. Guler has appeared in every league match this season, recording one goal and two assists. Having already surpassed 100 appearances for the club, with 19 goals and 26 assists to his name, the Turkish international is increasingly viewed as the natural successor to Luka Modric in a deeper central midfield role. The report also notes that explaining that the lack of proper defensive application from the forwards will cost the team against better opposition, canizares spoke after the game. The report also notes that they have scored 16 goals and have failed to find the net in just one of their games, at the other end of the pitch. The report also notes that earning the praise of the Portuguese tactician, the 21-year-old midfielder has impressed Mourinho since his move.
