Real Madrid's struggles in terms of playing style this season have not only come from the attack problem. The absence of some key players - due to injury or departure - also greatly affected Los Blancos.
An injury kept Jude Bellingham out for a month (18.8 - 17.9). At the same time last year, Bellingham's four goals in five games helped the "White Vultures" overcome the difficult period.
Eduardo Camavinga is also out for six weeks with a knee problem. The Frenchman's skill set is extremely important for the midfield that already has the technique and creativity of Real.
Brahim Diaz also suffered a long-term problem in the groin in September, just when he had gained the trust of coach Carlo Ancelotti as a player who could create diversity in attack.
Los Blancos' defense has been short of personnel as David Alaba has been absent for a long time due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Dani Carvajal is also out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while there is no replacement for the departed Nacho Fernandez.
As of the end of October 2023, Joselu has scored five valuable goals in La Liga in wins over Getafe, Real Sociedad, Las Palmas, Girona and Osasuna. His replacement in the Real Madrid squad - the talented Brazilian youngster Endrick worth 72 million Euros - has only scored 1 goal in the tournament this season.
In midfield, Toni Kroos' retirement leaves a huge void for the Bernabeu team. It is clear that they have lost one of the best midfielders in the club's history. Even in his final season before leaving Real, Kroos continued to show impressive influence. Now, with the German out of the mind, Los Blancos' midfield has become out of control.
Without Kroos, the responsibility is on Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde's shoulders. In fact, both players have played well. They have had more touches and completed more passes than any other midfielder in La Liga. In which, Valverde is the successor chosen by Kroos with the "number 8" shirt.
"I believe in Valverde. Now he has to take responsibility and accept the risks I took on the pitch," Kroos said of the Uruguayan.
However, Valverde has yet to bring sophistication or stability in setting the pace of the match. Meanwhile, Tchouameni is still trying to improve his ball control ability.
