Live

Repeat: Off The Ball

02:00 AM-05:00 AM

Repeat: Off The Ball
Advertisement
Soccer

Thirteen goals in two games, but the jury is still out on Real Madrid

Just when Real Madrid were supposed to be falling into a crisis, they went and scored 13 goals in...



Thirteen goals in two games, b...
Soccer

Thirteen goals in two games, but the jury is still out on Real Madrid

Just when Real Madrid were supposed to be falling into a crisis, they went and scored 13 goals in two games.

However, that goal salvo came against FC Basel and Deportivo de la Coruna and as Goal.com's Barcelona-based football writer Ben Hayward told us on Off The Ball tonight, the "jury is still out" when they face top teams, citing defensive issues.

"They're still missing a specialist defensive midfielder since Xabi Alonso left and that problem is not going to be solved overnight. Either Toni Kroos has to adapt to that role or they have to play Illarramendi or someone like that," said Hayward.

Meanwhile, Barcelona continued their good start to the season with a 5 - 0 win at Levante, with Lionel Messi in sparkling form in a deeper role in anticipation of Luis Suarez's arrival.

"I think Luis Enrique wants Barcelona to play a bit differently this season. Suarez comes into the team and that's a direct threat with Messi in the playmaker role. We saw it with Argentina in the World Cup just how devastating he can be attacking from deep, scoring goals himself but also setting up others." 

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Soccer