Real Madrid vs AC Milan: Review for Rafa Benitez's Squad

Real Madrid vs AC Milan

In 2 x 45 minutes, Real Madrid and AC Milan drew 0-0 in China, during the final match of the International Champions Cup, with the los blancos winning the consequent shootout 10-9 to lift the cup.

The game had little final-third quality and less chances in either penalty box saw Milan's Carlos Bacca and Real's Cristiano Ronaldo go closest, but none of the two team's goalkeepers were overly tested. Milan young goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma missed the decisive penalty in the shootout.

There are some points from the match that Rafa Benitez could take.

#Rafa Benitez front-three tactical

Rafa Benitez

Real Madrid initial formation was a standard Rafa Benitez's 4-2-3-1, with Lucas Vazquez, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo playing behind Karim Benzema - however, that was as far as it went in terms of straight lines and some predictable positions.

At times, it was Bale, Ronaldo and Benzema swapping positions, with the Frenchman dipping out toward either flank off the ball to make room for Ronaldo centrally. On other occasions, Vazquez dropped into a third central-midfield position when Real were out of possession, leaving three in attack.

It made Real unpredictable in terms of movement when countering but also very open through the centre with big gaps between the attacking and midfield lines.

Clearly, Benitez is still trying out his options to see how he fits in all his top players and maintains balance, but he's not there yet.

#Casemiro a primary holding-midfield option

Casemiro

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro played the entirety of the game for Real Madrid, one of the few players to do so, and it has to be recognised that on account of his particular skill set and his growth at Porto last season, he's a genuine contender to play regularly for Rafa Benitez this coming season.

Sure, against many teams Benitez will perhaps want the technical and creative pairing of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, but Benitez has always been pragmatic over relying on reputation. Therefore, it's fair to assume in many matches he will want either a pure holding, combative midfielder in place or else to operate with three in the centre.

In either case, Casemiro has this pre-season staked a claim that his ball-winning ability, mobility and physicality are all definite plus points few others in the Real squad have at their disposal. He might not be a weekly starter, but Casemiro can definitely play his part during the season.

#Keylor Navas not yet the clear choice for No. 1

Keylor Navas

The signing of Kiko Casilla and the departure of Iker Casillas meant it was another summer of alterations in the goalkeeping department for Real Madrid, and it might not be over yet if the chase of David De Gea reaches a successful conclusion.

That said, the club are preparing for the new campaign with Casilla and Keylor Navas as the two stoppers during pre-season—and it is certainly the Costa Rican who has impressed the most.

Navas is quick off his line, strong and brave in making blocks and has tremendous agility—all attributes that saw him recognised as one of La Liga's best goalkeepers two seasons ago. Casilla is spectacular at times but lacks the consistency and reliability to realistically be first choice at the very highest end of the game.

However, the superb performance of Casilla to block two shots from Carlos Bacca plus one penalty from Gianluigi Donnarumma could open Rafa Benitez's eyes that he is currently has two good goalkeepers.

But still, if no further arrivals in that position enter the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, Navas may becomes the first choice of Rafa Benitez.

source: bleacherreport.com

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