Claude Makelele Identifies Tactical Void in Real Madrid’s Midfield Evolution
Former midfielder identifies missing link for Mourinho's squad.
Claude Makelele, the architect of the modern defensive midfield role, believes Real Madrid remains structurally incomplete despite their recent successes. Speaking to DAZN, the former France international argued that the current squad lacks a specific profile: a midfielder capable of carrying the ball through pressure and breaking lines to connect directly with the attack.
“At Real Madrid, there isn’t that type of midfielder who carries the ball and breaking lines,” Makelele told the broadcaster. He suggested that the absence of this verticality forces players like Kylian Mbappé out of position, undermining the team’s offensive efficiency.
Makelele’s assessment comes as the club prepares for a new era under José Mourinho. While the Portuguese manager has a history of tactical pragmatism, Makelele warned that coaching alone will not suffice. “Mourinho isn’t stupid… He knows he’s going to need a strong team to win La Liga,” he noted. Under the current La Liga regulations regarding squad registration and financial sustainability, Madrid’s ability to pivot in the transfer market remains a focal point of European football strategy.
The former midfielder singled out Aurélien Tchouaméni as the “consistent player” of the previous campaign, labeling him the only one to perform from beginning to end. This endorsement arrives after a period of intense scrutiny for the Frenchman, who has navigated both internal squad friction and persistent transfer rumors linking him with a move away from the Bernabéu during squad restructuring discussions.
The tactical deficit identified by Makelele directly impacts the output of Kylian Mbappé. Defending the forward against recent criticism, Makelele argued that Mbappé is often forced to collect the ball in deep positions because the midfield cannot transition it effectively. “Mbappé often comes to collect the ball in midfield, and who’s going to be up front?” Makelele asked.
In Makelele’s view, the solution is a player who can deliver quick passes to the attackers and maintain the team’s verticality. Without this link, even a striker of Mbappé’s caliber becomes isolated or diluted by defensive duties, a problem Makelele believes must be solved to maximize the current roster.
