Real Madrid have never lacked stars, but currently, there is a problem they aren’t paying attention to.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club, the situation has quietly grown into a real issue. Direct free kicks – which were once a moment of fear for any opponent – have slowly lost their edge.
The old feeling is starting to return with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Ronaldo standing to take a shot was so iconic and intimidating that the other team’s wall would prepare for a very hard hit. The goalies were so scared of Ronaldo’s skill that they felt like they had already lost before he even kicked the ball.
Lately, Real Madrid haven’t had the same feeling during free kicks. The opponents don’t feel as nervous, and the chance of scoring doesn’t seem as high as it once was. Even with elite players, Madrid became predictable from set pieces outside the box.
This is why Alexander-Arnold’s arrival feels different. The right-back possesses a skill the club have badly missed.
The devastating drop in Real Madrid’s free-kick production
During Ronaldo’s nine seasons at Real Madrid, the team averaged just over six direct free-kick goals per season, which is an elite number. The Portuguese forward alone scored 33 direct free kicks for the club.
After his departure in 2018, the drop occurred drastically. Madrid’s average fell to around 1.6 goals per season from direct free kicks.
The club have scored 13 direct free-kick goals since Ronaldo left in 2018. Opponents no longer panic when giving away fouls outside the box. This made the psychological edge disappear.
Why the current stars are not the answer
Real Madrid’s current squad is full of world-class talent. Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Federico Valverde can decide matches in seconds. But they don’t have the required mindset or the skill to take free kicks.
Mbappe has taken several free kicks since arriving, but he has only managed to score one for the club so far. Valverde, Rodrygo, and David Alaba have scored two each. This shows none of them has shown the consistency needed to be trusted every time.
The gap left by specialists like Gareth Bale, Mesut Ozil, and James Rodriguez was never properly filled. Ozil and Rodriguez have three each for Madrid.
Bale managed just four direct free kicks for the club and is the highest after Ronaldo. That says everything about how unique the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is.
Enter Alexander-Arnold’s unique threat
Alexander-Arnold is known mainly for his passing range and crossing ability. But his set-piece quality often goes under the radar. During his time at Liverpool, he scored five direct free-kick goals across domestic and European competitions.
At 27, Alexander-Arnold is arriving at the right moment. He is experienced and technically refined.
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What is more, he can whip the ball over the wall and strike with disguise. Compared to Madrid’s current options, his dead-ball record stands out clearly.
A new tactical weapon for Arbeloa
Under Alvaro Arbeloa, the Englishman offers a new layer to Madrid’s attack. Against teams that sit deep, free kicks become useful.
Alexander-Arnold’s presence forces opponents to rethink how they defend around the box, which creates space for Madrid’s attackers to operate more freely. Set pieces may finally stop being a weakness while the club continues its Galacticos era with stars like Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Ronaldo’s legacy is irreplaceable, but Alexander-Arnold might be the first player since Ronaldo to make free kicks feel dangerous again. That alone could be the difference in the closest moments.
