Real Madrid are using amazing hi-tech robots in training to improve their technique.
Madrid have continued to show other football clubs why they are the leaders in technical advancements by introducing new robots to help players master their free-kick techniques.
In free-kick training, it is most common to find the luminescent yellow metal dummies lined up, ready to take a ball to the face. Although this is good practice for getting the ball up and over, it cannot replicate the act of the wall jumping.
This is where Madrid have stepped it up a notch. At their £100m training facilities situated in Valdebebas Park, Los Blancos have now installed controllable robots that can jump.
Footage from the Park seems to show a control panel on a tablet whereby coaches can adjust the height of each unique robot. This means Madrid can analyse their next opponents and who they put in the wall. Then, players like Kylian Mbappe can practice with the exact heights of the defenders, bettering their chances of scoring if the opportunity arises.
(Image: @RealMadrid)
However, although their chances should increase due to practice, there is yet to be a clear advancement in free-kick success rate for Madrid. The last time they scored from a direct free-kick was in May 2023.
Since Mbappe joined Los Blancos for £128m, he has taken over free-kick duty. Luka Modric and the now retired Toni Kroos used to be a feared duo when approaching a direct set-piece.
If they were to score from a direct free-kick, Madrid’s next game would be ideal as it is the El Classico against Barcelona. Barca are currently top of LaLiga with 27 points, and Madrid follow behind with 24. This game is a chance to go level.