Episode 108 - Real Madrid's Vinicius problem + Rafael Leão is worth the risk
On today's episode, Patrick and Hayden discuss the 3 Spanish football giants. We dive into Atletico Madrid's significant recruitment efforts and potential changes in strategy. For Real Madrid, we examine Vinicius Jr.'s critical season under Xabi Alonso and how their new additions fit into the squad. Additionally, we cover Marcus Rashford's move to Barcelona, potential 2nd year issues under Hansi Flick, and why Rafael Leao is worth the risk for the right club. Enjoy!
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:06 - Atletico Madrid's busy summer
01:57 - Outgoings and Incomings
03:23 - Midfield changes
04:33 - A changing style for Atleti? + Johnny Cardoso and Thiago Almada
06:35 - Splitting up responsibilities
07:58 - Atletico must add shots
09:04 - Less defensive workhorses?
09:51 - Getting a younger squad
10:45 - Personal accountability at Atleti
11:47 - Spreading out their resources vs spending on 1-2 guys
12:38 - Can they retain their defensive stability and improve offensively?
13:10 - Real Madrid and Barcelona aren't sure things next season
14:00 - Real Madrid will be one of the most interesting sides in Europe
14:55 - Can Mbappe and Vini coexist?
16:01 - Change Rodrygo or Vinicius?
16:38 - Jude Bellingham dropping deeper? + Güler and Mastantuono
18:13 - Vinicius must guarantee his long-term future this season
19:07 - Hard to replace Mbappe due to his output
19:51 - Xabi Alonso changing Real Madrid's style
20:57 - Lots of possibilities for this Real Madrid team
21:56 - Making a big sale and going for a number 9?
22:29 - Nicolas Jackson?
23:42 - Carrying all these players might not be feasible
24:16 - Potential other departures?
25:14 - Marcus Rashford to Barcelona + Joan Garcia
26:53 - Barcelona were depleted defensively last season
27:27 - There is a world in which Rashford works at Barcelona
28:03 - Improved defending will be mandatory
28:40 - Rashford holding out for this move worked well
29:41 - Cautious optimism + World Cup squad inclusion?
30:36 - How do you get the most out of Rashford?
32:01 - Rafael Leao is similar to Rashford in this way
32:43 - He does everything you want except defend
33:34 - Somebody will take the risk, right?
34:49 - Balancing issues with a player like Leao
35:43 - Xavi Simons to Chelsea - why not look at Leao?
37:01 - Leao is a ceiling raiser
38:25 - What's enticing to a coach
38:59 - Workable wages?
40:02 - If the price reasonable - do it and figure the rest out later
42:00 - Game breaking players are rare
42:47 - Our EPL Previews are coming soon! + Why you should care
44:11 - The season is approaching FAST