Casemiro's injury & the five keys to Real Madrid's recent dip in form

Casemiro's injury & the five keys to Real Madrid's recent dip in form

Los Blancos still lead LaLiga but there's been an alarming drop off in performances over the last week

Real Madrid have dropped off over the last week. Zinedine Zidane’s side have suffered a dip in form, which has translated into two draws in LaLiga, although they still maintain a one point lead at the top of the table. SPORT analyse the reasons behind their poor performances. 

1. CASEMIRO’S INJURY 

The defensive work done by the Brazilian is essential for Madrid. When he’s not there, it tells. No other midfielder at the club sacrifices themselves as much as he does. Without him, Zidane’s men lose balance and it becomes easier for the opposition to generate danger. Without any natural replacement, Casmeiro will be out for around 10 more days.

2. NO CLEAR IDEA OF PLAY 

2. NO CLEAR IDEA OF PLAY How does this Madrid side play? On the counter? With possession? Zidane won the club’s 11th Champions League a few months ago, but he still doesn’t have a defined style of play. It changes all the time as the team struggles to find its identity. In addition, when things don’t go well Zidane struggles to change the direction of a game tactically. 

3. THE BBC 

3. THE BBC Zidane insists on the BBC and that has a negative effect on the team. Cristiano Ronaldo is worse than ever, Bale’s in and out of form and Benzema is struggling with injuries. Despite having other players in better form, the coach continues to prioritise the BBC. It’s resulted in a lack of goals. 

4. DEFENDING 

4. DEFENDINGMadrid have kept just two clean sheets this season. It’s true that they’ve always scored a lot and conceded a few, but when things aren’t going well further forward, there’s more emphasis on keeping goals out. Sergio Ramos is disconnected and giving penalties way, while Pepe and Varane are making errors in possession. 

5. NO PRESSURE 

5. NO PRESSURE When Zidane took control, he made special reference to the side’s aggression after losing the ball, pressing high. However, as the months have passed, those demands have not been met. Without pressing so high, the opposition have more time to think, while as a consequence when Madrid do recover the ball, they’re a long way from the final third. It should be added that the BBC help little or not at all in defence.