How Real Madrid Built a Talented Football Team

Real Madrid's offensive prowess is matched by the strategic planning that has shaped its current squad. Following Florentino Perez's return as president in 2009, the club aimed to reclaim its dominance in the transfer market, a challenge given its new position as a less dominant player. Juni Calafat, who joined as chief scout in 2013, has been instrumental in this evolution, emphasizing the importance of a player's personality and work ethic alongside their on-field talent. Recent signings like Tchouameni, Endrick, Bellingham, and Guler illustrate Madrid's ability to attract top talent despite fierce competition. However, the club faced a setback this summer when promising centre-back Leny Yoro opted for Manchester United instead. The departure of Karim Benzema to Al Ittihad prompted coach Carlo Ancelotti to seek Harry Kane as a replacement, but the club's reluctance to pursue the English striker highlighted a shift in recruitment strategy. Ancelotti's understanding of the club's long-term vision has been pivotal in navigating this new era, where the focus is on sustainable management rather than high-profile signings. The coach has successfully integrated Bellingham into a new role, positioning him as a contender for individual accolades. Despite some missteps, such as the underwhelming performance of Luka Jovic, Real Madrid continues to exemplify sound economic management while maintaining a competitive edge in football.