Real Madrid uses Valverde to protect Arnold. Will the match against Paris Saint-Germain work?

In the upcoming semifinals, Real Madrid will face Paris Saint-Germain. This game is not only a competition of technology and strength, but also a collision of tactical wisdom. Especially under the leadership of Alvaro Morata and Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain's attack line is extremely threatening. Real Madrid coach Xavi Alonso cleverly used Federico Valverde to protect Trent Alexander-Arnold, and this tactical adjustment has attracted widespread attention.

Real Madrid's tactical innovation

Since Xavi Alonso took over Real Madrid, the team's tactical system has undergone significant changes. In the game against Dortmund, Real Madrid showed a flexible and changeable tactical style. After facing Juventus, Alonso re-adopted the four-back system to allow Chu Améni to return to the midfield position. This adjustment makes Real Madrid more threatening in both horizontal and vertical passes, thus disrupting the opponent's defensive formation.

Valverde's multi-functional role

Federico Valverde's role in this Real Madrid team is particularly critical. Although he has played a guest appearance at right-back many times, this time his mission is to protect Alexander Arnold. Alexander Arnold is not outstanding in one-on-one defense, so Valverde's protection is particularly important. In the game against Dortmund, Valverde showed extremely high tactical discipline, which was able to move forward and retreat to defend, ensuring the stability of the defense line.

Faced with Paris Saint-Germain's challenge, PSG's left offense is extremely fierce, especially the combination of Kvaratschlia and Nuno Mendes, who are able to create threats through quick breakthroughs and incision. In addition, Paris' midfielder Fabian Ruiz will also frequently insert into the penalty area, further increasing the difficulty of defense. In this case, Real Madrid needs to rely on the tacit cooperation between Valverde and Alexander Arnold to effectively curb Paris' offensive.

Key counter-targeting and tactical prediction

In this game, the match between Alexander Arnold and Kvaratskhelia will be one of the focus. The former needs to remain highly concentrated on the defensive end, while the latter will use its speed and technical advantages to continuously impact Real Madrid's defense line. Alonso is expected to make corresponding tactical adjustments based on the game situation, and may completely withdraw Valverde to the right-back position when necessary to strengthen the defense.

Conclusion: Tactics determine victory or defeat

This game is not only a competition of strength between the two teams, but also a competition of tactical wisdom between the two head coaches. For Real Madrid, how to use Valverde's versatility to protect Alexander Arnold will be the key to determining the direction of the game. And for Paris Saint-Germain, how to exert its attack power on the left is also crucial. In the end, whoever can gain the upper hand in this tactical game will be closer to victory.