Former Real Madrid and Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes believes signing Michael Olise would excite supporters, but insists the Spanish giants still have a bigger issue to solve if they want to compete for the biggest trophies.
Olise has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he could join Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham in one of Europe’s most star-studded attacks.
However, Morientes believes adding another attacking player is not the answer unless Real Madrid strengthen the heart of their midfield.
Speaking to Reviant, Morientes said: “Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappe’s partnership would be enough to win over the crowd and make the fans happy.
“But seasons are very long, and when it really matters…this is like cycling. When you hit the big mountain stage you need what’s really important: the domestiques, the riders around you who make the stars’ performance possible.
“And I think that’s what Real Madrid have been missing. Can Real Madrid win without a genuine controlling midfielder? I think they can, Madrid have so many good players they can manage it.
“But it would say more about the other teams’ shortcomings than Madrid’s own merit, the others just wouldn’t be at their best.”
Morientes highlights midfield concern
Morientes pointed to Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain as an example of a balanced squad, arguing that elite teams need players capable of controlling matches as well as match-winners in attack.
He added: “If there’s a team like Paris Saint-Germain that does all of that, that has its own organiser, whether it’s Vitinha, João Neves, and also has Dembélé and others, it’s only natural that come March or April that kind of team is further ahead and makes life difficult for you.
“Can you win a knockout tie without it? Of course, this is football, nothing is written in stone here.”
The former striker believes Real Madrid‘s current squad is talented enough to win matches, but warned that their lack of balance could become a problem during the decisive stages of the season.
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Morientes concluded by urging Real Madrid to focus on building a stronger foundation rather than simply adding more attacking talent.
“But logic tells me what you need first is to lay the groundwork with the workhorses, and then the leaders take care of themselves.
“Mbappé will keep scoring goals, Vinícius, whether he renews or not, will keep being decisive, and if you sign an Olise you’ll have one of the best squads in the league.
“But if you get to March and April without the thing that really matters, Bayern can come along and knock you out, and then we’ll be talking again about the real problems this team has.”
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