KARIM BENZEMA TO REAL MADRID

After Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Albiol, Real Madrid are getting Karem Benzema. Goal.com has already released two possible formations that Real Madrid can use. I for one envy the new manager. I mean come on, like it or not, you have some of the most interesting players in the world at your disposal. It is like those Football Manager or Fantasy Football games. Whatever it is, I say the weakest link is the leftback position so I would be glad if there is something to be done there. Robben is a very risky player to depend on. If they must keep him, they should have someone else as a cover.

Back to Benzema, to be honest with you all, I have no idea how good this guy is. Sorry but probably because I hardly watch the French league. At most the notice is there when they play in the Champions League. I notice there are two Liverpool players in the list, Alvaro Arbeloa and Xavi Alonso. What makes them so confident of having them is beyond my understanding. One thing is sure though, the new additions will not guarantee success just like the First Generation Galaticos. This Second Generation Galaticos will not be any different if defence is not taking care of. Finally, how many players will leave? So far there are only Saviola and Cannavaro.

Anyway, one of the most shocking things I heard is AC Milan are interested to get Peter Crouch. My goodness, that means with Pato, they have the tallest striking force in the whole world! Both have basketball built bodies. With the height of 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) and 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in), I think AC Milan should consider playing the EPL style of sending in crosses after crosses. Their heading ability will be unstoppable!!! Another more shocking news is Manchester United are interested in Michael Owen. I guess this can be contributed to the fact that they are desperate to find major names to fill in the void left behind by Tevez and Ronaldo. Owen spent most of last season injured and unfit so he will be a very risky player to sign for them.





Goal.com Special: Where Do Real Madrid's New Signings Fit In Formation?

Goal.com moots two possible suggestions for the new setup at the Casa Blanca...
1 Jul 2009 20:50:51

Real Madrid have been by far and away the most active team in the summer market so far, signing a host of huge names.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka lead the list of new Galacticos, but the arrival of Karim Benzema also brings new striking options to the Santiago Bernabeu.

It's been mooted that Alvaro Arbeloa will arrive in Spain within days to rejoin his boyhood side from Liverpool, while it is not impossible that Xabi Alonso will also follow from Anfield.

With that in mind, Goal.com presents two possible formations for Real Madrid, with explanatory notes from editors.

4-4-2 - Juan Lirman, Goal.com Spain - It may look unusual at first, but remember that new coach Manuel Pellegrini is a huge advocate of the 4-4-2 system. Needless to say this is ultra-offensive, with no fewer than three of the midfielders almost being considered forwards! This gives the opposing defence a lot of work to do, but it can be hit quite easily on the counter, and thus is best deployed against very cautious sides.

4-2-3-1 - Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com International - Xabi Alonso and Lassana Diarra are capable of offering a strong defensive midfield line but also one full of invention, the Spaniard in particular being more than able to pick out a killer pass. Meanwhile the attacking 'three' would no doubt feature in many peoples' fantasy league teams prior to this season, and with new signing Karim Benzema set to compete with Gonzalo Higuain for the place up front, this line-up is dangerous. With Sergio Ramos very likely to come forward in support of 'CRx', though, once again we must ask if it's not slightly too cavalier...

Other Ideas

4-3-3 - Mohammed Awaad, Goal.com Arabic - I expect Real Madrid to play a 4-3-3 formation for a variety of reasons. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema are comfortable with this formation and it would be dangerous to risk upsetting two of the club's biggest signings. Another reason is that Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka are not known for their defensive exploits and cannot play as traditional midfielders. With this formation, Arjen Robben could see more match action(assuming he stays with the club) while Real could also play with two central midfielders (Lassana Diarra & Fernando Gago) and one defensive midfielder (Mahamadou Diarra). Although if Real manage to sign Xabi Alonso he would take Diarra's place. I think this formation creates the proper balance in the squad.