Real Madrid is working hard this summer to strengthen its ranks with a group of distinguished players as part of a plan to restore balance to the team and compensate its fans for last season’s failures. With the appointment of Xabi Alonso as coach, the management began implementing a clear technical vision aimed at strengthening the team’s weak points last season, most notably set pieces, which constituted a clear weakness.
In this context, the club signed two players who specialize in taking accurate free kicks. The first is Arnold, who is skilled with his right foot, and the second is Mastrantuono, who possesses a strong left foot. These two players will provide coach Xabi Alonso with new and diverse tactical options when executing set pieces, both direct and from crosses. Last season, the team lacked an effective free-kick taker, but now the signing of two specialists will add a strong boost to the playing system.
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The presence of Arnold and Mastrantuono will enhance Real Madrid’s chances of scoring from set pieces next season. Accurate crosses from set pieces have become an indispensable weapon today, especially with the presence of attackers capable of exploiting these balls inside the penalty area. The addition of Huyssen, a tall defender (1.97 meters), adds a crucial element in the air. If these qualities are utilized well, the team will be more effective in set pieces, both defensively and offensively.
But what distinguishes Arnold and Mastrantuono is not limited to taking free kicks alone. Both possess excellent ball control, precise vision, and a keen ability to read the game. These abilities give them the skill to pass the ball behind defensive lines, which will serve the style of players like Vinícius and Mbappé, who possess speed and the ability to run past defenders. This understanding between the playmakers and the attack could make Real Madrid more versatile and threatening offensively.
Thanks to these new signings, Real Madrid will be a candidate to form one of the strongest squads in the world next season, especially as they prepare to participate in the Club World Cup. However, the ambition is not limited to assembling stars, but rather to transform this group of players into a cohesive team that works with a strong collective spirit. Xabi Alonso knows that success is not built solely on individual skills, but also on discipline, understanding, and teamwork, which he seeks to instill from the outset.
An atmosphere of enthusiasm pervades the club’s corridors as this new project, led by Xabi, begins. The management is optimistic about the future and believes the team has all the tools to return strongly to local and continental competition. The goal is not just to win titles, but to build a team capable of asserting its dominance and sustainability for years to come, with a new spirit and a clear identity.
