According to reports in Spain, as cited by Daily Record, Real Madrid are prepared to challenge arch-rivals Barcelona in the pursuit of Neymar. The Brazilian’s current employers Paris Saint-Germain are seemingly growing keen on offloading him as the summer transfer window draws near to a close. They are even willing to send him out on loan as long as the contract includes an option to buy clause.
Neymar’s addition to the club would be a considerable coup for Real Madrid. But, how can Zinedine Zidane fit him into his attacking unit?
The signature 4-3-3
Neymar’s potential addition to the club may force Eden Hazard to feature on the right flank in Zidane’s preferred 4-3-3 formation. Both these players will operate as wingers, with either Karim Benzema or Luka Jovic leading the attack.
Neymar’s trickery and ingenuity in the final third will be complemented by Hazard’s ability to break through defensive lines with his quiet feet. Also, the Brazilian superstar has a knack for scoring goals, which could potentially make him a real asset to the Madrid attack.
That being said, it will probably pave the way for either of Marco Asensio or Isco to leave the club this summer. Not to mention that Neymar’s presence in the team could take a significant toll on Vinicius Junior’s chances of making a breakthrough in the first-team.
The ambitious 4-4-2
It will be interesting to see if Zidane opts for a 4-4-2 setup that will help him accommodate either Asensio or Vinicius on the flanks alongside Neymar. The attack will be lead by Hazard and Benzema/Jovic. Hazard, in particular, will operate as a false nine. The Belgian has a lot of experience of playing in the said role and could benefit the Madrid attack with his incisive runs into the opposition defences.
Neymar, on the other hand, will have a free role, meaning he can not only stay out wide but also shift into a central role. It will allow the attacking fullbacks to make overlapping runs into the byline, with Benzema as a target man.
An ideal replacement for Ronaldo?
Neymar is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world. But he is no replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. The biggest influence the Portuguese had over the Madrid attack was his physical and aerial prowess. He can not only keep hold of the ball in the final third but can also get his head on a cross and score.
Additionally, he was a threat from long-range and no less than a motivational figure in the final third. These are the qualities Neymar may struggle to provide to the table for Real Madrid. But, the Brazilian will be a massive coup for Los Blancos as it will not only enhance the quality of their attack but also weaken the Barcelona side, following the departure of Philippe Coutinho.
