Is this the Real Madrid?

Real Madrid’s transfer activity this season has been the subject of much speculation, as pundits, fans and neutrals alike scratch their heads over the decisions that Florentino Perez and his board have made.

Fresh from being nominated the finest European club of the year, Real Madrid fans must be wondering if that tag will hold this season. Despite a massive summer investment of almost £94 million on four players - which would suggest wise, critical signings - the team look in a bizarrely worse shape than before. Whereas the previous squad seemed incredibly strong on paper, and proved it on the pitch, the current one is making fans doubt whether they can do the latter.

The main reason for that is that while quality has been replaced with quality, the profile of the team has been completely altered. Whilst signing 2 starters and selling 2 starters might sound like it is only a small tweak, it can sometimes make a huge difference. Chelsea FC can testify that the signings of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa have completely re-vamped their team for the better. Real Madrid however, have unwittingly forced themselves into playing a completely different brand of football. But why? Let us analyze their main transfers:

KEYLOR NAVAS for DIEGO LOPEZ

After being one of the biggest stars of Brazil 2014, it was inevitable that a large European club would seek to sign Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Arsenal FC came knocking, and for a while, it seemed like they would add the stupendous South American to their squad. However, he is now plying his trade for the European champions.

After a fine seasons for Real Madrid, Diego Lopez has left his beloved club for the second time in his career to join Italian heavyweights AC Milan. During his second stint at Real Madrid, he established himself as one of the finest keepers on the planet, almost single-handedly keeping them in games at times.

In this case, a like-for-like replacement was made (although that is normal in this position). Both keepers are of the highest order, and while Diego Lopez’s experience sets him slightly ahead of Keylor Navas, the latter will surely have a great career at Madrid.

TONI KROOS for XABI ALONSO

Toni Kroos is a World Cup winning midfielder signed from one of the biggest clubs in Europe. Bayern Munich were admittedly foolish to let him go, and the price tag was a very affordable one for Real Madrid. His passing is superb, he has a shot like a guided missile and he was coveted by every major side in the planet. He is a champion, and a terrific one at that.

Xabi Alonso stands alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger as the two finest holding midfielders in the world. His short and long passing is unparalleled, and his shielding of the back four bears the hallmarks of a champion. A two-time Champions League and Euro winner, he has also conquered a World Cup, being a pivotal part of the 3-man midfield that dominated international football in a manner not seen since France at the turn of the century. He is a legend of the game, and his days at Liverpool and Real Madrid were exhibitions of the finest kind of football available.

This swap was not nearly as clean-cut as the first one, and that’s where the problems begin. While signing Toni Kroos may yet prove to be a huge coup for the club, he does not fit as neatly into Xabi Alonso’s place as he should. Toni Kroos is a great midfielder, but he will never defend his back four as well as Xabi Alonso has, and with a lightweight midfield partner like Luka Modric, Real’s midfield suddenly looks a little bit weak.

JAMES RODRIGUEZ for ANGEL DI MARIA

This is the one that has been protested against the most vociferously.

Comparisons have been drawn to Florentino Perez’s sale of Claude Makelele, which brought complaints from both fans and players. That is the moment that many identify as the moment Real Madrid forsook their European dominance. Until Jose Mourinho came (with Xabi Alonso in his team)and managed to fix that major flaw.

James Rodriguez had an impressive season with Monaco, scoring 10 goals and providing the only title tilt outside of the Parc des Princes. He guided his team to a respectable 80 points and second position in Ligue 1.

However, none of those things were considered when Real Madrid signed. It was the World Cup that made up their minds. His stunning performances in guiding a Falcao-less Colombia to an unlucky quarter-finals loss to Brazil was noted by everyone in the world, and suddenly, the young Colombian was a Galactico. Perez wanted the star of the World Cup, and he got his man. The young man has a fine touch, vision and a delicately scrumptious strike. And people liked him, so he would sell shirts. On paper, the transfer was genial. But that’s not the end of it.

Angel Di Maria is the fleeting young winger that has been troubling defences around Spain and Europe for four years at Real Madrid. The Argentine is a majestic sight when on song, flying past defenders and making impossible passes with the outside of his boot. He was the "Zig-Zag" man, he was the catalyst of everything good Madrid did. He was loved by the fans and very much respected by the players. He even guided Argentina to a Champions League semi-final. He was at the peak of his career.

But signing James Rodriguez meant that Real Madrid were now playing with a no.10. Suddenly, another slot had to be found in the previously perfect 4-3-3 that Real Madrid were playing - someone had to go. And it could only be Angel Di Maria, because neither Ronaldo (255 goals in 250 games, remember) or Gareth Bale (most expensive in history) would be allowed to leave. He was offered a contract far below his worth as a way to encourage him to leave, and as the world stood aghast, he was allowed to sign for Manchester United for a record-breaking fee.

REAL MADRID 2014/15 for REAL MADRID 2013/14

The reality is that any successful club is always in a state of alteration in order to prevent it from sitting on its laurels. If a team stagnates, then it will fail. Philosophies and players have to change, managers and staff as well, so in that sense, Real Madrid have taken the correct steps.

What the Madrid hierarchy didn’t do very well is identify what was wrong with them and change it. Whilst rivals Barcelona have signed a much-needed no.9 to revitalize their attack, and 3 or 4 top-notch defenders, Real have gone for vanity signings.

James Rodriguez was not required, and his arrival will either lead to him being played out of position (on the wings of a 4-3-3, instead of at no.10), or forcing Madrid to play a shape they do not have the squad for. 4-2-3-1 is a very flawed system when the midfield 2 are not good strong enough to stem the flow of balls into their box. They could get torn apart.

Alas, one can only wait and see. Carlo Ancelotti is a genial manager, and if anyone can make it work it is him. On the other hand, this year, European sides will be much stronger than before, and the fierce competition will make for legendary matches.