Editorial: The Real Deals
Walter Samuel, Michael Owen, and Jonathan Woodgate. Goal.com takes a look at Real Madrids three summer signings and the thought process behind them as the club engages in a more balanced transfer strategy than in years past.
After going through such a disastrous 2003/04 season, Real Madrid knew it had some work to do in this summers transfer market. And it was clear that going after yet another galactico was not going to be a worthwhile strategy. One of the biggest reasons for last seasons horrendous (by Real Madrid standards) campaign was that Real never addressed the departures (for various reasons) of important players such as Fernando Hierro and Claude Makelele. Buying David Beckham in June of 2003 ensured the inclusion of yet another galactico in Madrid, but the absence of a quality and experienced defender (center-back) and defensive midfielder meant that Reals squad lacked the depth in the middle of the park to challenge on all fronts. A starting eleven that has the likes of Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Raul, Beckham and Roberto Carlos in it will win quite a few matches, but last season Real Madrid lacked defensive rigidity and mental toughness, two variables that separate good teams from great ones, that are the difference between second place teams and championship sides. The sacking of the stylish Carlos Quieroz was inevitable and the appointment of the un-galactico yet established Jose Antonio Camacho seemed to signal a new direction for a club whose prestige had been badly dented.
Instead of going for the big-name signing (rumors had Francesco Totti and Ruud Van Nistlerooy headed to the Bernabeu among many others) Real Madrid decided to fill in the gaps. Is offense really such a factor when all the aforementioned galacticos are present in the side? Add to that group the return of Fernando Morientes and los Merengues could possibly have the best strike force in Europe. Rather than continue the mentality of Zidanes and Pavons, the management at the club signed Walter Samuel of Roma. Though not the flashiest player and certainly not a galactico that would have fans heading to the stores in droves to buy his replica, Samuel is as solid a defender as they come. His performances for Roma over the past four years earned him the nickname The Wall and during his stay at the Olimpico he earned a reputation as one of the best defenders in the world. From a marketing perspective it didnt appear to be the savviest of decisions, but from a strictly football standpoint most lauded the choice as extremely intelligent and necessary. Samuel alone looks set to solve many of Reals problems at the back.
After Samuels signing, Real were engaged in the transfer saga of the summer as they tried to persuade Patrick Vieira of Arsenal to come to Spain. The transfer of the French midfielder would have been quite the coup, but in the end it wasnt to be, a deal was never reached. Instead of going after another world-class defensive midfielder, Real announced the signing of Michael Owen. After unloading the talented Javier Portillo to Fiorentina earlier in the summer it appeared as though a multi-million euro striker was not of great necessity to the team that has Ronaldo, Raul, and Morientes in its ranks. Whether it was because of Rauls poor last season, Ronaldos fluctuating weight or the desire to have at least one summer signing that could sell a few shirts, Owen is now in Spain. Owen brings a fantastic strike rate to his new employers, the England international having scored 158 goals in just under 300 matches for Liverpool. The question is not whether Real signed a player of quality, few would doubt Owens ability, rather it seems to baffle fans and pundits alike, why bring a fourth star striker to the club when an additional midfielder may have made more sense? Certainly, Camacho will have his hands full trying to balance all those egos.
If Owens signing raised questions then Reals purchase of Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate came as a complete surprise. Woodgate brings a history of injury problems to the Bernabeu in addition to his reputation as being one of the best defenders in England thanks to his fighting spirit, aerial prowess, and skill on the ball. Real must have focused on his abilities and dreamt about the possibilities of a partnership with Samuel in the center of defense. The potential is certainly there and Woodgate shouldnt be overawed in Spain, despite his injuries, he has performed exceptionally well for Leeds, Newcastle, and England. But this susceptibility to injury remains the major knock on the Middlesborough-born player. He was signed by Newcastle in January of 2003, but during his time there he appeared in less than 30% of the clubs matches. Injuries to his knee and thigh and a double hernia operation all in the span of 18 months suggest that the player either is very unlucky or does have a problem staying healthy. Still, Real have liked what they have seen in Woodgate, and have bought him for a reported £14 million even though he wont be able to begin training with the club for a month because of a thigh injury that has sidelined him since last April.
Has Real learnt from its past mistakes? The policy of Zidanes and Pavons clearly does not work. Signing the best players (for Real this has meant the best attackers) doesnt guarantee success; matches may be won, but titles are still hard to come by. Even within a team full of stars there need to be role players- those willing to do the dirty work. For every moment of brilliance from Zidane there needs to be that player who makes the tackle to win the ball, for every sublime finish from Ronaldo there needs to be a defense that started the attack by cutting out a dangerous move by the opposition.
While its clearly too early to pass judgment on the new buys of Real Madrid, the summer signings appear to make at least a bit of sense. Signing players who will help on the pitch seems to be taking precedence over signing those who sell shirts and increase advertising and marketability. The possible defensive partnership of new boys Samuel and Woodgate is potentially the remedy for Reals defensive maladies though that hinges on Samuel continuing to be one of the worlds best and Woodgate remaining injury-free. There are many questions that surround this team of galacticos and it will take a while before they are answered. The presence of Michael Owen alone begs the following questions: Out of the four strikers, who will play and how much? Will Owen play the minutes he was so used to at Liverpool? If so, who will make way for him?
As always it will be interesting to watch Real Madrid this season. One thing is for sure, heads will roll if the club isnt successful. A repeat of last year will not be accepted by fans or by President Florentino Perez. There is no such thing as a decent season in Madrid, only great seasons and bad ones, and the expectations this year are greater than ever. Failure to challenge and win on all fronts could mean massive shake-ups come the end of the season. What would the club possibly do then? Maybe they would really need to break the bank and sign not only Vieira, but Totti and Van Nistlerooy too!
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