Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane wants his star trio of Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo to work harder defensively, as he attempts to make his side more balanced
The injuries to midfield mainstays Luka Modric and Casemiro have affected Real Madrid in more ways than one, and manager Zinedine Zidane is seeking the right balance when it comes to defensive contribution from his front three. As reported by Jose Felix Diaz of Marca, Zidane wants BBC “to press with more intent and put in more work without the ball.”
The absence of Modric and Casemiro has clearly deprived Los Blancos of solidity through the middle. The direct result of this has seen Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo being isolated from the rest of their teammates for large parts in every match.
Zidane is, thus, asking the famed trio to improve their work rate and contribute defensively so as to “avoid becoming a broken team.” Indeed, with front three not making their presence felt in defence in the absence of Modric and Casemiro, Madrid have been far more open defensively, conceding a raft of chances to their opponents.
The younger, more hardworking trio of Alvaro Morata, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez are constantly knocking on the door, impressing whenever they are given a chance, with Asensio scoring on his Champions League debut against Legia Warsaw.
And while the enormity of attacking contribution on the part of BBC is undeniable, the fact that Morata, Asensia and Vazquez have ably stepped up when called upon while showing much more intent in defence must keep Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo on their toes constantly.
The naivety shown by Real Madrid defensively might not have cost them a lot so far, but Zidane is adamant that in order to get the most out of his squad he wants more from his attackers. With an able backup waiting in the wings the BBC might not be as untouchable as they have been in recent years.
