RReal Madrid are already in the final stages of the season, entering their second season without a trophy, but are nine points behind Barcelona with seven games remaining. As such, there will be little conclusion to be drawn from what is left in terms of decision-making, but this not only affects the future of Alvaro Arbeloa, who logically arrives at the end and does not have much time to apply his methods, but it also means that Madrid have decided that Alvaro Arbeloa will not continue unless there is a big surprise.
After the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s reign, Real Madrid decided they needed to strengthen their team’s defense. To this end, three of Marquette’s four reinforcements were on the last line. In descending order of price, Huyssen (62 million from Bournemouth), Carreras (50 million from Benfica) and Trent (who joined on a free transfer, but Madrid paid him 5 million to qualify for the Club World Cup, and according to Liverpool 10 million). But the most exciting addition was River Plate pearl Mastanduono, for whom Madrid paid around $63 million in transfer fees and taxes.
Mastantuono scores his first goal for Real Madrid
In the most decisive match of the season, against Bayern last Wednesday, Trent was the only player to start. Mastatuno came on as a substitute in the 89th minute in search of a miracle, but Huisén and Carreras did not play. This is the outline of a more than anomalous campaign in which the ex-Liverpool player was not saved despite earning a permanent place last month. Each of them has followed their own path, but some have not been saved from the doubts and whistles from the Bernabéu.
Xabi Alonso strongly supported Mastatuono with three reinforcements in the defense. Huyssen also took advantage of the absence of Rüdiger and Militão in defense and quickly settled in despite his youth. It was a gamble that everyone admired for establishing himself alongside Luis de la Fuente at such a young age, but the return of those two and doubts in a high-profile match meant he was a force to be reckoned with in the closing stages, and whistles were heard from the Bernabeu crowd.
Something similar happened with Carreras. Matches such as the derby and the first leg against Bayern didn’t help, even though he was almost always first choice. But Mendy ended up convincing Arbeloa after just five games all season, the first leg against City and this one against Bayern.
In Trent’s case, this first season was not affected by injuries. Unlike the other three reinforcements, he only earned a permanent place at the end after starting alongside Xavi at the Club World Cup. His defensive work remained questionable, and his best batting and baserunning only showed signs of late in the game when it was already too late.
Mastatuono downhill
Mastatuono’s descent is steeper than any of the other reinforcements. When Xavi was the leader, he was always the best at Madrid. Although he did not show overly aggressive brilliance, the Basques appreciated his work rate and work. It all seemed like a matter of time. But even with Xavi, things started going downhill. He was left out of the starting lineup for the Clasico and injured his groin shortly afterwards. Not in 100 percent health, he gradually lost his way.
The addition of Arbeloa did not change the trend; in fact, it increased. This was especially true after he received a red card in stoppage time in the home defeat against Getafe. This was unnecessary. Two penalty games. He hasn’t found a place on the right or in the center where he feels most comfortable and has too many competitors. The most positive thing is that he is a future bet for the club. It is normal to think of this first year as a year of adaptation, and with a more advanced team he will show more to avoid mistakes that will undoubtedly have a bigger impact.
