Real Madrid's Defensive Issues Ahead of Atletico Clash Highlight Transfer Errors

In isolation, a one-off appearance for Sergio Ramos at right-back for Real Madrid's clash with Atletico Madrid on Saturday shouldn't be indicative of a wider problem. 

Ramos has a history in the position, after all, and possesses the supreme talent and versatility to make such a switch seamless. In Spain—and in Europe, even—there are few finer defenders than Real's vice-captain. 

Yet, as Carlo Ancelotti prepares to deploy the Spaniard on the right to cover Daniel Carvajal's absence through injury, per Marco Ruiz of AS, one feels that an outfit as stacked as Real Madrid shouldn't need to face reshuffling headaches—that the resources are there to ensure these issues don't arise, that using Ramos to cover deficiencies highlights the club's errors in the transfer market. 

"The last time I play as a right-back will be the [2010] World Cup," the central defender even said four years ago. 

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Indeed, Real Madrid using Ramos to fill holes as a full-back is like a Wall Street firm using the chief executive to do the accounting when suitable, low-cost options were readily available. 

Among such options, experienced Malaga right-back Jesus Gamez was snapped up by Atletico for £2.2 million, while Manchester City landed France international Bacary Sagna from Arsenal on a free transfer. 

The injury to Carvajal while on international duty, of course, can't be prevented. But if Alvaro Arbeloa no longer holds Ancelotti's trust in critical matches, why was a straightforward move for a replacement not even considered by the all-powerful Florentino Perez?

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The defensive headaches and the need to deploy Ramos out of his favoured position are also heavily influenced by the issues facing Ancelotti further up the pitch. 

Having sold Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso, the Italian has been stripped of a pair of two-way assets, leaving him without his primary link between defence and attack, as well as his only viable holding option. 

Now with Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez and Isco as his elite midfield choices, the manager has found himself needing to mould a brick layer from a quartet of architects. 

A central butchering in the 4-2 loss to Real Sociedad exemplified how difficult that task will be. 

David Ramos/Getty Images

It means, in the absence of defensive cover from midfield, that Ancelotti must build his back four with the finest defenders at his disposal, regardless of their typical positioning. Arbeloa, it seems, is not in that group, forcing Ramos out wide to cover for Carvajal, compensating for the lack of balance and strength provided by a one-way midfield born from misguided summer business. 

Just a month ago, such complications didn't seem even distantly possible. And while Ancelotti will maintain his composure publicly, even he must wonder how Real have encountered these headaches so quickly after being crowned the continent's best. 

"I will find the right solution for Madrid," the manager told Il Giornale on Thursday, per The Guardian, acknowledging the issues he faces when asked about the team's slow start and the difficulties stemming from the transfer window.

"All the signings and transfers have been given the green light from the coach," he added with his characteristic diplomacy. 

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Ancelotti, unlike his predecessor Jose Mourinho, has never been one to cause a stir. Ensuring a harmony between the players, coach and board has always been a hallmark of his. 

Regardless of the intensity of public scrutiny, the Italian will continue to exude a cool conviction. 

"The team is working hard and one thing for sure is that the team is a diesel," he stated, firmly in the belief Real will gather speed. "My confidence lies on two pillars: I have a group of professionals that are very concentrated and Cristiano [Ronaldo] scores a goal a game."

Both points are true, but even he'll recognise that won't be enough if the team can't find a defensive balance after Perez's latest round of high-profile, but largely unnecessary, signings. 

And while the dependable Ramos will likely perform superbly at right-back against Atletico, the need to shift him there in the first place highlights the extent to which Real got it wrong this summer.