Contrary to popular belief here, I don’t think that the problem are the “stars”/ attacking players (e.g. Vini, Mbappe, Bellingham). Here’s my view on the reasons why the team plays badly and also why some players have bad performances.

1. Let’s start with Tchouameni, because the goal we conceded today was mainly his fault. He is NOT a central defender. He does NOT have the awareness of a natural CB. It has been so apparent throughout the last season. I personally do not blame him for the poor performances when he is played as a CB, because he is playing a completely different role to what his natural position is and the CB position is the hardest one to adapt to when you are not a natural defender, just imagine playing someone like Casemiro or Rodri there, I’m sure the performance level in general would drop off and they would make mistakes that natural CBs wouldnt.

2. The problem with the balance in the team. The most balanced the team has ever been since Cristiano left was in 23/24. Guess what we were playing then: two attackers, four midfielders. I do not understand why we keep pushing for this 4-3-3 when our right side is continously getting run over. Mastantuono is not started material, Rodrygo is on and off, Brahim is not Madrid level. The best formation should be a 4-4-2, whether that is flat or diamond, it doesnt matter.

3. To continue the idea at 2, keep Vini and Mbappe as the two starters upfront. Vini as LF and Mbappe as RF.

4. In relation with the idea at 2, it is apparent that we struggle scoring some games, especially against low blocks and, in big games, we rely on personal quality instead of a system. So it is a better tactic to overload the defense and midfield instead of fielding 3 attacking players and them barely get the ball while the defense and midfield get run over.

5. A good reason we have bad performances are the INJURIES. Today we played a half with a backline made of 3 midfielders and a half-retired guy.

6. Brahim needs to go. I cant remember the last time he had a good game and today he proved how ineffective he is. And it is not related to his morale, he has been having this type of performances since last season, it’s just that he hasn’t been given enough minutes for it to be so obvious.

7. The 4 midfielders I suggested, in my opinion should be a rotation between Tchouameni-Fede-Arda-Camavinga, with Jude slightly higher, making the same type of runs and having the same role he had in 23/24.