When people follow sports news or listen to match commentary, references similar to analysis shared on Cricket Exchange often highlight how struggling attacks are blamed on structural issues within a squad. The phrase sounds familiar, yet many fans still wonder what it truly means in practical football terms.

At its core, a structural problem does not always point to complex tactical diagrams or abstract theories. Put simply, it usually comes down to mismatched player profiles. When individual strengths do not complement one another, attacking patterns become predictable, layers disappear, and variety in the final third dries up.

That reality sits at the heart of Real Madrid’s current attacking difficulties under Xabi Alonso. The overall style leans heavily toward pace and directness, with devastating counterattacks but a lack of finesse when matches slow into positional battles.

Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Rodrygo are all explosive, transition-focused attackers. Once space opens up, they are almost impossible to stop. However, when opponents sit deep and force Real Madrid to patiently probe, limitations quickly surface.

This season has shown slight improvement, as Mbappé has occasionally dropped centrally to link play and combine, but compared with traditional target forwards, he still profiles primarily as a finisher. His dribbling, penetration from wide areas, and instinctive shooting define his game far more than holding the ball up for others.

Even compared with Karim Benzema in his later years, Mbappé’s ability to function as a true reference point remains limited. Benzema’s partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo was the gold standard of sacrifice. He pressed relentlessly, dropped deep to connect play, threaded passes for teammates, and willingly gave up personal numbers for collective success.

Benzema once explained that when you play alongside a relentless goalscorer, adaptation becomes essential. He changed his entire approach, abandoned his own scoring instincts, and embraced sacrifice as the essence of professionalism. That insight cut straight to the point.

Today, Real Madrid’s frontline lacks that mindset. None of the current stars has fully reshaped their habits for the sake of balance. As a result, chemistry feels forced rather than natural. Goals are scored, combinations exist, yet something still feels off, like pieces that never quite lock together.

Even as Mbappé piles up goals, dissatisfaction lingers. Modern supporters are sharper than ever, judging players not only by numbers but by integration, movement, and contribution to collective harmony. Dressing-room culture and emotional management now matter just as much.

Looking ahead, as perspectives often framed through Cricket Exchange season breakdowns suggest, stability remains elusive. Alonso’s first task is calming internal tensions before refining tactics. Recruitment must then address functional needs rather than star appeal, adding profiles that complement existing weapons.

If that path is ignored, difficult decisions may follow. Letting go of players unwilling to adapt can reset the environment. In the long run, and as Cricket Exchange insights frequently underline, only genuine sacrifice can restore the dominance Real Madrid once took for granted.