El Clasico debacle highlights Real Madrid need reinforcements in the January transfer window | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s recent 0-4 defeat to Barcelona brought several of the team’s weaknesses to light, but none were more glaring than the lack of squad depth.

While Carlo Ancelotti put out his strongest lineup, the absence of quality alternatives on the bench played a significant role in this setback.

This loss underscored the lack of creativity and control in midfield, an issue that has lingered since the departure of Toni Kroos.

Instead of finding a player to replicate Kroos’s passing vision, the club opted to rely on attacking stars like Kylian Mbappe, whose goals have yet to consistently deliver the desired impact.

While Real Madrid are largely covered in attack and midfield for that matter, the need for reinforcements is becoming undeniable.

Real Madrid were exposed

To begin with, it must be noted that Barcelona exposed Madrid’s vulnerabilities, with players like Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, and Lucas Vazquez struggling to keep up.

Real Madrid were exposed against Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

For that matter, the current roster of centre-backs leaves little room for flexibility. Madrid have Militao and Antonio Rudiger as regulars, but the options thin out quickly.

Jesus Vallejo has yet to prove his worth in brief appearances and is likely to leave, while David Alaba’s long-term injury raises concerns about when, or if, he will return at his peak.

Ancelotti has resorted to using Aurelien Tchouameni as an emergency centre-back, highlighting just how thin their defensive depth has become.

Situation is more challenging

The situation on the right side of the defence is even more challenging. Dani Carvajal’s season-ending injury has left Madrid with limited options. The Spaniard’s versatility made him a valuable backup for the centre-back position in times of crisis.

However, three of Madrid’s four defensive positions lack natural replacements. This means Madrid are left with Rudiger, Militao, and Vazquez, followed by a noticeable gap in quality.

Given the club’s busy calendar, with up to 72 games across seven competitions, the need for defensive reinforcements is more pressing than ever.

So if this situation is not enough to prompt action in the January transfer window, Real Madrid risk facing significant hurdles in the latter stages of their season.