Florentino Perez has harbored a longstanding aspiration of acquiring Kylian Mbappe to enhance Real Madrid’s squad. The French prodigy’s prolific goal-scoring prowess is perceived as the missing element that would address Real Madrid’s deficiency in attack since the departure of Karim Benzema.
With Mbappe’s imminent transfer to Madrid on the horizon, Carlo Ancelotti is confronted with the challenge of determining the most suitable position for him on the field.
As disclosed by AS, three potential placement options are currently under consideration on the manager’s agenda.
Plan A: Sacrifice a midfielder
The primary approach contemplated by the Italian coach involves a return to the 4-3-3 formation, which the team employed until recently. This tactical setup would position Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes on the left and right wings, respectively, while Kylian Mbappe assumes the central striker role.
Although Mbappe typically favors the left flank, Vinicius’ presence in the squad precludes this option. Furthermore, Mbappe has demonstrated significant progress in his performance as a central striker this season under the guidance of Luis Enrique at PSG.
However, this formation comes with a drawback: it necessitates sacrificing either Eduardo Camavinga or Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield. Given that Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde are firmly established as starters for Ancelotti, only one midfield position—specifically, the pivot role—remains available.
Plan B: Sacrifice an attacker
The additional strategies Ancelotti has considered involve maintaining the 4-4-2 formation that the team has adopted this season. In both scenarios, Rodrygo would be the player sacrificed, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius leading the attack as a striking duo.
The first approach the manager could contemplate entails persisting with the 4-4-2 diamond formation. In this setup, Jude Bellingham would assume the role of the spearhead in midfield, supported by the duo of Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga positioned just behind him. Aurelien Tchouameni would complete the midfield as the pivot in such circumstances.
The second option involves reverting to a traditional 4-4-2 setup, with Bellingham and Valverde deployed as wide midfielders on the left and right sides, respectively. Camavinga and Tchouameni would then function as a double pivot, offering additional defensive stability and consolidating the team’s structure.