Real Madrid Tactics: Kaká And The "False 5"

Posted Monday, January 30, 2012 by managingmadrid.com

Real Madrid Tactics: Kaká And The

Take the basic Real Madrid setup: a 4-2-3-1 featuring Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso in the central defensive pivot, with Angel Di Maria on the left wing, Mesut Özil directing play in the middle, and Cristiano Ronaldo on the right. We've seen this formation time and again this season, and last, and we've consistently commented that, while the formation functions relatively well on offense, it lacks significantly on defense, and can, at times, become stagnant on offense if Özil is off.
We've also seen Mourinho transition to a 4-3-3 at various times to counter the previous formation's defensive malaise, while maintaining some possession. The 4-3-3 tends towards focusing on defense, however, and while it has had strong results at times, over the past few weeks we've seen it come under heavy fire from they-who-must-not-be-named. In fact, Mourinho's Real Madrid has had stronger results against arch-rivals FC Barcelona using the comparatively offensive 4-2-3-1 (last week's Copa del Rey 2-2 draw, as well as both legs of the Supercopa).

So what does this all have to do with a "False 5"? Well, I've created this idea to deal with a specific need: how Real Madrid can merge the defensive prowess of the 4-3-3 with the creative potential of the 4-2-3-1. Obviously, this isn't a perfect solution (what is?), but hear me out nonetheless. Kaká should line up next to Xabi Alonso and (eventually) Sami Khedira (or Lass, Coentrao, whomever) in the defensive midfield trivot of a 4-3-3 (looking like a "5"--a creative offensive director in a deep-lying role), then play like a "10" next to Özil. Here's what the lineup would look like visualized:

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