Former Man City defender exposes Real Madrid’s flaws ahead of blockbuster clash – ‘They lack a player capable of…’ | OneFootball

As Real Madrid and Manchester City prepare for yet another intense Champions League encounter, former City defender Pablo Zabaleta has offered a detailed and honest assessment of the Spanish giants’ current situation. 

Speaking to AS, the Argentine laid out what he sees as the key weaknesses in Madrid’s structure and the challenges facing Xabi Alonso as he attempts to stabilise the team.

Zabaleta did not hesitate when asked where Madrid are struggling most. He pointed directly at the midfield, explaining, 

“Two that are impossible to replace: Kroos and Modric. Their absence hurts a lot, but we have to look ahead. 

“Xabi must rebuild the team and his fundamental work must be in midfield. 

“His play is not fluid and he struggles to create, which is why he overuses long balls. They have lost quality and game reading.”

Possible solution and answers

When pressed on what Madrid’s solution could be, he stressed that rebuilding creativity will take time, saying, 

“It’s not easy. Madrid needs a leader in midfield, someone who can carry the team on his shoulders in difficult situations. 

“It could be Guler, but he is still growing and developing that personality. They lack a player capable of taking the helm in tight games.”

Zabaleta then highlighted a realistic internal option, suggesting that Madrid may already have a talent capable of lifting the team’s rhythm. He explained, 

Zabaleta feels Nico Paz could be Real Madrid’s answer. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“If we think about real options and not possibilities outside the market, I think Nico Paz’s return could help energize the game. 

“I see him as ready to take on that challenge, and his return would be good for Madrid. 

“It’s a similar case to Palmer when he left City because there was no room for him and ended up succeeding at Chelsea. 

“I think getting back a player as creative and imaginative as Nico would be good.”

Real Madrid have not replaced Modric

He also drew a comparison between the absences of legendary playmakers, namely Luka Modric and Kevin De Bruyne at both clubs, stating, 

“I think so, because City has signed players who are better able to fill that huge void.”

He noted that unlike Real Madrid, City have successfully filled the void left by the Belgian.

“There are players with that profile who are capable of filtering passes and moving well in tight spaces. 

“However, Modric’s absence is so huge that it has been impossible to compensate for it so far.”

Haaland vs Mbappe

Mbappe and Haaland will come across each other tonight. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Zabaleta offered a balanced answer when asked to choose between two of the biggest stars in world football – Erlin Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. 

He admitted, “You’ve stumped me with that question. I can’t answer that. They are both phenomenal goal scorers on a gigantic scale. 

“What I do see is that Mbappe is more isolated in Madrid’s attack than the Norwegian is at City, who has more alternatives and options around him that are capable of complementing him. 

“Madrid depends more on Mbappe than City does on Haaland.”

When selecting a Madrid player he particularly admires, Zabaleta praised Federico Valverde, saying, 

“I love Valverde. He’s a player who does very well in many positions, which is fantastic for a coach. 

“He always gives 100%, has great dribbling ability, and a magnificent shot. I love Federico.”

Finally, he admitted he sees no clear winner in tonight’s heavyweight matchup, concluding, “Honestly, no.

“City are better and on an upward trend, unlike Madrid, but the Bernabeu factor evens things out. 

“The mystique of that stadium is very imposing and that’s something to take into account,” he concluded.