He was Real Madrid’s worst player against Leganés: Florentino is starting to see him out

Real Madrid’s hard-fought 3-2 victory over Leganés this past Saturday served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, even for a team of their caliber. While the three points secured kept them in the thick of the La Liga title race, powered by yet another stellar performance from Kylian Mbappé, the match unveiled deeper concerns, particularly regarding the squad’s fatigue and the long-term viability of certain players. Mbappé’s brace, bringing his season tally to an impressive 33 goals, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut season record, masked some of the underlying issues that Florentino Pérez, the club’s president, is now reportedly addressing.

The prevailing sentiment following the match was one of exhaustion, attributed to the recent international break. Several key players appeared to be running on fumes, impacting their overall performance and cohesion. However, beyond the immediate fatigue, the match also served as a critical assessment for Pérez, who is now reportedly making decisive evaluations regarding the squad’s future composition. One player, in particular, seems to have fallen under intense scrutiny: Lucas Vázquez.

Vázquez, despite being rested in the preceding two weeks, was brought on as a second-half substitute, only to be replaced by Fede Valverde, who had just returned from international duty with Uruguay. This tactical maneuver, seemingly paradoxical, underscored the growing uncertainty surrounding Vázquez’s future at the club. With his contract expiring in the summer and the rumored imminent arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold, the writing appears to be on the wall for the Galician full-back.

At 34, Vázquez is a seasoned veteran and a respected figure within the Real Madrid dressing room. His decade-long tenure with the first team has seen him evolve into a valuable asset, capable of filling various roles. However, this season has presented unprecedented challenges, particularly in his attempt to fill the void left by Dani Carvajal’s significant injury in October. The task proved daunting, with Vázquez often appearing overwhelmed and struggling to maintain the required level of performance.

The situation became so critical that Carlo Ancelotti, the team’s manager, was forced to devise unorthodox solutions to shore up the defense. The cascading injuries, including Éder Militao’s setback, compounded the problem, pushing Ancelotti to experiment with Valverde at right-back. This tactical adjustment, initially born out of necessity, has proven to be a masterstroke, revitalizing a defense that had been leaking goals throughout the season.

The reliance on Valverde at full-back, a player typically deployed in midfield, highlights the severity of the defensive crisis Real Madrid faced. Without such innovative measures, the season could have easily spiraled into a catastrophic failure, a scenario that was only narrowly averted. The Leganés match, despite the victory, served as a stark reminder of the team’s vulnerabilities and the urgent need for strategic reinforcements.

Florentino Pérez, known for his decisive leadership, is now reportedly accelerating his plans for the summer transfer window. The potential acquisition of Trent Alexander-Arnold signals a clear intention to revitalize the right-back position, a move that would inevitably impact Vázquez’s future. The club’s focus on securing young, dynamic talent underscores a strategic shift towards building a team capable of competing at the highest level for years to come.

The decision to potentially part ways with Vázquez, a player who has been a loyal servant to the club, is not taken lightly. However, in the cutthroat world of elite football, sentimentality must often yield to pragmatism. Real Madrid’s ambition to remain at the pinnacle of the sport necessitates constant evolution and strategic adjustments.

The match against Leganés, while ultimately yielding three points, served as a microcosm of the challenges facing Real Madrid. The team’s reliance on individual brilliance, particularly from Mbappé, highlighted the need for greater collective cohesion and tactical consistency. The defensive frailties exposed during the match underscored the urgency of addressing the team’s vulnerabilities.

The summer transfer window will be crucial for Real Madrid as they seek to reinforce their squad and address the identified weaknesses. The potential arrival of Alexander-Arnold, coupled with other strategic acquisitions, will shape the team’s future and determine their ability to compete for major honors. The club’s management is acutely aware of the need to balance experience with youth, ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining a competitive edge.

The legacy of players like Lucas Vázquez, who have dedicated years of service to the club, will always be cherished. However, the relentless pursuit of excellence demands difficult decisions. As Real Madrid navigates this period of transition, the focus remains on building a team capable of achieving sustained success. The lessons learned from the Leganés match will undoubtedly inform the club’s strategic decisions in the coming months.