Zinedine Zidane has plenty of problems to solve at Real Madrid

Real Madrid, having won both the La Liga and Champions League last season, seem to have struggled on the field this time around. While the lack of experienced options in striking the striking department is a worry, the squad depth has also hampered Zidane's side from playing at their peak conditions, something they managed last season.

Zidane has brought in very few proven players to strengthen the team, and even those sometimes prove ineffective. Theo Hernandez, brought in from Atletico with the motive to replace Marcelo as a left-back in the near future, looks immature and lost on the field. He lacks creativity and apart from his agility in the wide areas, he hasn't really offered anything when used.

Dani Ceballos from Betis had a great start to the season, but he hasn't kicked on against the top half teams. He hasn't yet acclimatised to the midfield role he was given; to add more creativity down the middle. He is not imaginative and follows the old-school style of crosses directly into the box, leaving only Ronaldo at the receiving end among 4-5 defenders, narrowing the chance to score.

Morata and James' departure has left holes in the B-team plan designed by Zidane. He used this B-team perfectly in the second half of the season to give breathers to a few key players. But now, he watches even his strongest side struggle, with the likes of Ronaldo, Modric, Ramos and Bale putting inconsistent performances.

The players already on Real's bench are also proving ineffective. Lucas Vasquez lacks innovation and is weak as a winger. His style is predictable, lots of step-overs and sprinting to the byline in hope of providing a cross. Rarely is he aware of the player positioning in the box and puts in blind crosses into the box.

Marcelo, despite all the quality he has, lacks the energy and will to sprint forward. His age might have a role to play in this. Isco, after his early form, has over-complicated things more often than not. His main motive is to get to the box in flamboyant fashion. He makes good runs but in the end, gets dispossessed due to his deficiency in passing. Marco Asensio shows glimpses of greatness but is inconsistent. His chemistry with Isco can improve.

Madrid have failed to impress

The most threatening player in the team, Cristiano Ronaldo, has scored only 2 goals this season, one of them being a penalty. The role that Zidane has decided for Ronaldo, to play him as a striker instead of left winger, has left Benzema in the dark, changing flanks from time to time. Ronaldo himself looks frustrated because of lack of options up the field and not getting enough space as a striker in the heart of opponents' defence. His success in the Champions League does not hide the fact that Los Blancos have problems in defence, losing out 3-1 to Tottenham. Gareth Bale's future is hanging on by a thread due to his fitness issues.

The departure of Pepe and health issues to Carvajal have left Real's defence in a turmoil. Defensive errors and inefficient man-marking have led them to concede goals haplessly. Sergio Ramos has suffered a dip in form as well and the recent sending off will only make matters worse.

Real's play a high line, leaving enormous spaces at the back. The pressing hasn't been uniform, something you'd expect from your defence if they're playing a high line. Zidane somehow has to bring more order and focus on man marking. Perhaps bringing in another defensive midfielder alongside Casemiro, and moving either Kroos or Modric upfield to play their natural game might add more stability and creativity at the same time. Real's defence and midfield has to be polished and brought into order.

Zidane, having been quiet in last few transfer windows, has to make significant signings in the coming window to ensure Madrid can at least go close to challenging Barca.