One Defensive Midfielder Needed To Reinforce Real Madrid

Real Madrid has been looking for a defensive midfielder ever since the season ended. But because of the unwillingness of the other clubs to sell, and maybe due to big signings taking up all the attention and cash, this has lagged behind somewhat.

Why does Real Madrid need another defensive midfielder when they already have Lassana Diarra, Mahamadou Diarra, Javi Garcia, and Fernando Gago on the team?

Why are they so adamant on going forward with this?

Well, it is clear that they are looking for a defensive midfielder with long passing and deep lying abilities to add to their offensive play. All the players linked with Real Madrid so far for this position have these capabilities.

Whoever ultimately comes will, in all eventualities, pair with Lass Diarra. This paring can be effective in a 4-2-3-1 formation, though it is still unlikely in the face of Pellegrini’s favorite 4-4-2.

Such a signing is also going to drive Mahamadou Diarra out.  Fernando Gago or Javi Garcia may also see the falling axe, while others might serve as backup.

Xabi Alonso is the one most wanted by Real Madrid, but alternatives are also being checked out. So far, Liverpool does not want to sell Alonso. Liverpool is asking, if reports are to be believed, something in the range of €47 to €50 million for Xabi.

This is probably only meant to scare away Real. A reasonable price would most likely be around €27 million.

Real’s €30 million bid for, another defensive midfielder, Daniele De Rossi has also reportedly been rejected by AS Roma. De Rossi is also wanted by Chelsea.

According to AS Roma Director Bruno Conti, De Rossi is worth over €40 million. However, a middle ground of €35 million is considered to be a workable price.

De Rossi can be a good option for defensive midfield and brings with him great offensive skills as well. He seems, for now, to be a part of a backup plan if Xabi Alonso does not arrive at Santiago Bernabeu.

De Rossi has unflinching attitude in defense when it comes to tackling, along with long-range shooting, aerial prowess, and deep-lying playmaking.

The latest addition to players being linked is relatively inexpensive.  A €25 million offer by Real is Gaetano D'Agostino of Udinese, who is also strong on the radar of Juventus.

He initially started his career as a trequartista, but later developed into a midfielder with excellent passing and a deep lying role.  His play is hailed as having a close resemblance to the Andrea Pirlo.

The number of players available in the market is small, and clubs are jacking up prices to hold on to them. In this situation, D'Agostino is the economical option, but being a Spaniard, Xabi Alonso is expected to fit in easily with the team.

However, in the end, Daniele De Rossi, with his strong pace, is perhaps a complete solution.  And with a price tag in between both other players, coupled with AS Roma’s financial woes which may compel them to sell, De Rossi might emerge as a strong contender.