Benitez's new lieutenant

Posted Thursday, October 15, 2015 by Marca.com

Rafa Benitez has always placed a lot of stock in balance. It is a word that he repeats like a mantra and he is not just paying lip service.

Almost by definition, the midfield is a key battleground when it comes to setting up a balanced side. During his two most successful spells in the dugout, Benítez shored up the middle of the park using physically strong, tactically aware workhorses - the type of player for whom the cliche 'an extension of the coach on the pitch' was invented.

At Valencia, Benitez lined up a double pivot consisting of David Albelda and Rubén Baraja. While Baraja had more licence to roam and make forays into the opposition box, Albelda was tasked with holding his position and sweeping up play, being almost entirely relieved of any build-up duties.

The likes of Jamie Carragher and Javier Mascherano performed this tactical water-carrier role during Benitez's time at Liverpool. One of them did the hard graft alongside Xabi Alonso, who was the chief creator.

At Real Madrid, this anchorman gig has Carlos Henrique Casemiro's name on it, albeit with a twist. So far, the Brazilian has been deployed behind two more attack-minded midfielders in Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. This slightly more open system better befits the quality of players at Real Madrid's disposal, as well as the brand of football historically expected of the club, which Benítez is well aware of.