There are few players as synonymous with Real Madrid as Raúl.
The Madrid native signed for Los Blancos youth academy, known as La Fábrica, in 1992 and went on to make over 500 appearances for the first team, becoming club captain in the process.
Raúl’s time at the iconic club was trophy-laden, to say the least, with six La Liga titles and three Champions League titles plus a whole host of individual awards during the ‘Galacticos’ era.
Raúl departed Real Madrid in 2010 to join Schalke, before moving to Al Sadd and then on to the New York Cosmos to conclude his playing career.
Since his playing career ended, Raúl has transitioned into management, taking over as the head coach of Real Madrid’s Under-19 team in 2018.
The following year, he was promoted to take charge of Real Madrid Castilla (referred to as Castilla throughout), who play their football in the third tier of Spain.
Currently, the team are riding high on an 18-game unbeaten run, which finds them atop the 2022–23 Primera Federación table.
Reports suggest that Raùl recently turned down the opportunity to manage Leeds United following Jesse Marschs departure.
Presumably, the Real Madrid legend has his eye on the top job, with persistent rumours suggesting Carlo Ancelotti will retire at the end of his current contract.
This is a great time to dissect Raùl tactics.
This tactical analysis will showcase the tactical style he has developed during the current season at Castilla.
This analysis aims to explain Raùl’s preferred tactics, as well as how he has cultivated an effective tactical methodology through adaptability and flexibility.
Raúl Preferred Formations

Raùls primary formation is a 3-5-2, as he has used this 46% of the time during the current season.
This is a popular and versatile formation that many successful teams utilise.
Like any




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