Real Madrid's 'Plan B' could return for Mallorca LaLiga clash

The return from the FIFA international break was meant to see Zinedine Zidane face three key games in quick succession. As it is, following the postponement of El Clásico, a LaLiga fixture away to Mallorca and a trip to Turkey for the Champions League clash with Galatasaray, is all that needs the Frenchman's attention. And his Plan B will get an airing once again.

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Plan B for Madrid?

The first match after a break, where the wear and tear of the FIFA virus can be felt, is always a key time for Zidane's rotations. In the match against Levante in September there were only three changes from the previous eleven against Villarreal, but this was more a case of needs must. Lining up Casemiro with Kroos in midfield, for example, despite the fact that the Brazilian had practically just landed from a transatlantic trip, as Modric, Valverde and Isco were all injured. In the final break of last season, however, five players started in the game against Huesca that had not been in the previous match against Celta.

The distribution of minutes at this start of the season contrasts with the early days of the Frenchman's previous two campaign beginnings. The perceived first choice players have been relatively fixed in their roles, with three players (Casemiro, Kroos and Varane) picking up over 90% of the minutes available. Of the other years, Kroos, as an example, only achieved that level in 2016-17. Three others have seen 80% of the action this term (Benzema, Ramos and Carvajal), while Courtois has played 75% and Bale 62.2%.

Minutes distribution for Real Madrid players across first eight games of 2019-20

Source: Opta.

Injuries have played their part, and Zidane will know that the changes he makes will be heavily criticised if he is unable to collect six points from these two games. The Clásico may have been postponed, but the pressure certainly hasn't.