PLAIER, an AI system used by several European clubs for player scouting, has predicted which players Real Madrid must target to reach the next level.
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Spanish newspaper MARCA used AI model for predictionsA number of Premier League players were put forwardCould be a busy summer of change at the BernabeuFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Defending champions Real Madrid were eliminated by Arsenal 5-1 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-finals, exposing their severely flawed squad setup and team balance. In an exclusive report with MARCA, PLAIER, an AI system that helps clubs target the most ideal players for their teams in order to elevate performance levels, has predicted that Real Madrid should target the likes of Reece James, Lewis Hall, James Maddison, and Noni Madueke, among several others, this summer to improve their team.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE FULL-BACK AREAS
For the right-back position, AI analysis identified Chelsea's James, Bayern Munich's Josip Stanisic, and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold to be the most suitable additions to the Real Madrid squad. While it's all but confirmed that Alexander-Arnold will be joining Los Blancos for free this summer, PLAIER CEO Jan Wendt argued that James would have been a better alternative.
"Alexander-Arnold is excellent in many of the right-back situations, but he has certain weaknesses in areas such as interceptions, aerial duels, and one-on-ones," Wendt told MARCA. "Although signing him at zero cost would make financial sense, if Madrid is willing to invest, Reece James is a better option: he has fewer weaknesses and also excels in the same metrics where TAA excels."
The left-back position is also one that Madrid have tried to reinforce, as evidenced by their interest in signing Alphonso Davies, who signed a new long-term contract in February. Per PLAIER, Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko, Stuttgart's Maximilian Mittelstadt, as well as promising Newcastle youngster Lewis Hall were chosen as the most effective options for Madrid.
MIDFIELD & ATTACK
When it comes to the midfield, the absence of the now-retired Toni Kroos has been glaring, with no Madrid midfielder showing a profound ability to pull the strings from the middle of the park in the loss to Arsenal. Reports mention that Madrid will try to sign a player of a similar profile this summer, with PLAIER suggesting that Bruno Fernandes, Maddison, or PSV's Joey Veerman could plug the Kroos-shaped hole.
Lastly, the analysis concludes that Real Madrid could sign the likes of Jeremy Doku, Alejandro Garnacho, or Luis Sinisterra for the left-wing position, should Vinicius Jr. depart amid Saudi links. For the opposite flank, PLAIER suggested that Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka, and Brazilian wonderkid Estevao could provide the balance they need.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Despite being knocked out of the Champions League, Real could yet end the season with major silverware, as they face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on April 26. Before that, though, they will take on Athletic Club on Sunday as they look to bridge the gap between them and Hansi Flick's troops in the Liga title race.
