Midfield is definitely too congested........sneijder out...for a striker should free up the game.... I like Drenthe today...good passing. Granero is class...and Albiol seems to always be very calm...always a good thing.
The second half should be interesting as the guys on the FSC broadcast said Benzema would be one of the players coming in.
Plus the attacking midfield looks congested at times, when Alonso gets a pass off, the attackers sort of get in each other's way, DCUs hacking ain't helping the fluidity of the game either. Give it time.
i'm hoping this is just "pre-season" form for him but yeah he's kind of a drag to watch i think wesley will definitely be the first to be subbed after the break.
Right now they are missing both Lass and Diarra...and Gago isn't around either. So I doubt this type of mid is what Pelligrini has in mind. I think he just wants everyone to get a proper workout and some chemistry.
We aren't looking that great but we aren't too terrible so far. Its obviously down to that we're still in pre-season, played a match less than 48 hours ago, had to hop on a plane and to DC and then had a training session. Not to mention that its 96 F. Drenthe is looking pretty good, I loved his cross into Pipita. Like a few have already said its just too many cooks spoiling the broth. We need to keep Lass and Diarra. They're instrumental to our formation. They allow us to play how we want.
quick halftime thoughts and ratings: we started well, with good pressure on the ball, and attacking. Couple of great saves from the DC goalie kept the ball out, but the pressure was on. Dunno if it was the weather, or tired from the game from a day ago, or both, but the last 15-20minute they were all walking...every single one! Casillas: 7/10 hasn't had to do any saves, but a couple of confusions there with albiol and one with arbeola. Need to get the communication better Arbeola: 7/10 better outing so far from his first one. He is getting to the flanks better, and is defending better than last game. Still doesn't have the speed I saw him with at Liverpool + NT Pepe/albiol: 7/10: doing solid as always, albeit the seem a little lazier..must be the heat. Drenthe: 8/10 this guys is becoming more and more likely to be our LB starter...great runs down the left flank, and his confidence is rising fast. Great cross right into Higuain's header. arguably our best player with ronaldo in the 1st half Xabi: 5/10 i know he is getting to know the plan and schme but he was non-existant. is not moving to the ball and asking for it, and has had no impact in the game. Sneijder: 7/10 looking great! he is running all over the place and has had the most touches in this game. His shooting and pinpoint passing is lacking, but that will come. He really got himself involved in the game and unlike Xabi, he is calling for the ball. Granero: 7/10 good solid outing from him. Not as crisp as the past couple of games, but he is getting involved in almost every play as sneijder was. He had the best scoring chance with his shot. Kaka: 6/10 still getting his legs, and still trying to learn the scheme. But I don't see him trying to get involved as much as he did last game. Had some good passes, and had a couple of shots at the beginning, but his last 15min were aweful. Ronaldo: 7/10 playing well, and always dangerous. He should have had a PK called, and had a great shot on goal that just went wide. But like everyone else, just died out at the last 10-15min. Higuain: 6/10 started out really slow, but was our best attacking player the last 15min. Had a great header shot blocked, and two good passes, but his shot at goal was not good, and he seems to not have his feet yet. Is good that he is getting these minutes.
You guys are going to take awhile to gell because the talent on the field gives you so many options. You guys will have to play with greater intelligence to synthesize the talent on the field. You guys will probably be very good this year, but next year will be the the beginning of a run for you. I like the crisp play from most of your guys. Good luck. You have to say DC has not panicked inthis game.
I dont think the problem of adaptation will be with Alonso. He will do just fine in whatever role or formation Pellegrini uses. I see the problem with Kaka and Ronaldo. How will one player put himself in an effective position for attack if they both demand the ball. And from what I've seen, Ronaldo has been way too unselfish, which goes against his strengths in the attack. Madrid has a long ways to go I think until we get a finished product here.
Arbeloa is the backup RB for starters and its preseason. I am not that concerned. I've seen ManU fans point out that he was the best defensive RB in the EPL last year. Those aren't Liverpool fans....but ManU fans saying such things. That is a good sign.
guys it is so hot in DC. i just got done with my u-21 club team game(well from 12-2), the temp is 95+ but it feels like 150. the temp is prolly the reason why we looking sluggish. it seems that arbeloa and drenthe are too wide more so like wingbacks, they need to pinch in. also with dc playing 6 players in the midfield and us playing 4 there, the midfield is cluttered. hence why xabi alonso cant make a pass more than 10 yrds. also sneijder looked bad today. higuain looked ok. didnt see to much of the ball but made good runs and got good looks on goal. esteban looked good today.