There’s limitations to the efficacy of versatility
The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Kung_Fu_Zizou
Xabi Alonso start to life in the Real has been fantastic. It has been a breath of fresh air. Carlo Ancelotti often claimed the team couldn’t press because it didn’t suit the players in the squad. This was contrived, to be polite. Xabi Alonso has managed to get the team to press and control games on and off the ball. There’s still a long way to go and a demon lacks in the shadows.
At some points versatility becomes a curse from the player to the manager.
RW Rodrygo
Rodrygo arrived as a special young talent full of confidence with the world at his feet. He was eager and took to the big stage like a duck to water. His adaptation was seamless in comparison to his compatriot Vinicius Jr. Rodrygo would soon learn that versatility could be a curse. First you’re grateful to get minutes and then you’re grateful to start. Eventually, you’re a versatile player. Older and still talented and plugging holes in the squad.
NEW: Sources close to Rodrygo were upset about his lack of involvement in the first Club World Cup games.
The arrival of Mastantuono could lead to Rodrygo’s role being reduced.
It’s a situation worth keeping a close eye on. @GuillermoRai_ @TheAthleticFC pic.twitter.com/VpNhL74aeF
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 1, 2025
Toni Kroos Conversion to DLP
Toni Kroos arrived as an elite playmaker. A press resistant pass master who had just won the world cup and a treble with Bayern Munich. At Real Madrid he had to play as a 6. He became one of the most memorable deep lying playmakers in the game. Real Madrid fans often complained about how they missed Mesut Ozil and wanted an attacking midfielder who could play in his teammates and create chances. Toni Kroos played deeper and his story is legendary at Real Madrid.
The Team’s Identity is Versatility and Adaptability
Real Madrid demands of a player to be talented and adaptable. The players who succeed have to evolve and the more versatile and adaptable, the more the evolution is in that direction. The player doesn’t often end up like Kroos but more like Lucas Vazquez or Fede Valverde. The modern game requires players to be comfortable in different areas of the pitch which places too much emphasis on adaptability.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Versatility is a strength but often when necessary. It shouldn’t be the first solution. Most players at the highest level are adaptable. They never fail miserably. It’s always subtle failures. The devil will be in the detail. To get the best out of players means using them where you can get the most our of their natural game. While we praise players like Jude and Fede for their adaptability it sets a dangerous precedent.. Rodrygo is an elite talent not finding his place in the team after starting for 2 straight seasons. Managers claim they adapt to the players and try to get the best out of them but one has to wonder how much of it is actually just elite square pegs in round holes
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