What Would Real Madrid Look Like Without Ronaldo?
With rumors of Cristiano Ronaldo possibly leaving Real Madrid this transfer window, what would the team look like without the “Galactico”? Nick Gonzalez gives you a look at how he thinks the team would line up without CR7.
Losing Ronaldo sounds devastating, but Real Madrid have plenty of options for how they could line-up in a post-Ronaldo era. Here, we take a look at two different scenarios for replacing Ronaldo.
In one scenario, Real Madrid lets go of Ronaldo, and maintains the rest of the squad. In the other, Madrid replaces Ronaldo with French youngster and Real Madrid transfer target Kylian Mbappé.
Both scenarios provide Madrid with a number of options for an ideal once de gala.
Without Bringing Anyone In
Starting 11 Option #1
This first option is pretty self-explanatory. It is the same eleven but with Asensio replacing Ronaldo on the left wing. Marco played his best football on the left side this year, so if no one was brought in to replace CR7, it is very likely Marco would be slotted in that spot. Especially after seeing how well he is playing for Spain currently.
As far the squad and subs go, it would be pretty much the same. Isco would be the first choice attacking midfielder if that position was played, and Bale would likely start on the right wing so Isco would be the second choice there. Although if Isco ended up beating out Gareth for that position, it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest.
I still think James is sold in this situation, just because once again there is no role where he can secure first team minutes. He’s better on the right than the left, so he wouldn’t take minutes from Marco there. And on the right, Isco outplayed him last season and Bale is a golden child. So like stated before, not many changes in this lineup.
Starting 11 Option #2
This lineup above is more hypothetical, and would not actually be played based on Zidane’s current tactics. This 11 would involve Casemiro getting dropped, but for good measure. The attacking firepower above would be unprecedented and many, many teams would have a very hard time trying to steal a possession or stop a counter attack. Asensio and Bale wide would give a fantastic amount of pace and both could feed it into Isco very easily.
As far as the squad goes, this is where I think Morata and James are both kept on the side. With the true position of the #10 available, I really think Rodriguez could fight for and win first team minutes from Isco.
In general, James is a better fit for this formation because of his combination of goal scoring and creating chances. Isco would definitely see more time at right mid as well. Morata would obviously be kept because he would be the only other striker on the team.
Penalties
Gareth Bale – If Ronaldo was sold, Bale would ultimately take over the penalty role and succeed very well. Obviously not as good as CR7, but Bale is widely known as one of the better set piece takers and I think that can translate to him excelling in front of the keeper.
Free Kicks
Gareth Bale – This was a no-brainer. As long as Gareth is on the side, he would be taking free kicks. Considering he even took some while CR7 was on the side, I see no reason why he wouldn’t now become the first choice. Then, of course, Nacho for those cheeky quick shots.
If Mbappé Was Brought In
Starting 11 Option #1
Like the lineup where Asensio takes over, this one is pretty much the same thing. The what would be $100M man Mbappé comes in and takes over on the left wing right away. The rest stays the same, just like it was in real life with Ronaldo and the line up above with Asensio.
The squad also probably stays the same, but this time it would be more likely Morata would be sold rather than James. Because Mbappe is so versatile and can play through the middle, I think Zidane would be better off keeping the more flexible, winger and midfield type player in James. Morata can definitely play on the wings, but not with the execution James can, even if Rodriguez is forced to play on the left.
Starting 11 Option #2
This is another option that is also very likely, and would definitely see a lot of game time together. It is still in a 4-3-3 like the one above. Mbappé would play up top as the striker, which is his native position, then Asensio and Bale/Isco on the wings.
I think this lineup would cause a lot of damage and is built around a very young squad. With Marco’s passing ability at the wing, he and Kylian could cause so much havoc on that side it would be insane. Then on the flip side of the pitch, the pace of Mbappé and Bale would leave defenders gasping for air.
As far as the squad and substitutions, I think James and Morata would be sold. If this was the primary lineup, that means that Real Madrid would have two elite strikers with no need for Morata anymore. And on the wings, Asensio, Vazquez, Bale and Isco would be more than enough to suffice for the starting 11, and cover. Mbappé can also play on the wing if needed while Benzema then plays up top.
Penalties
Kylian Mbappé – I think the new Galactico would take the shots in front of the keeper. Whether you like it or not, Real Madrid will need to justify his transfer fee, so him scoring the most whether you wanna call it stat padding or not will be most beneficial for the club, his confidence, and RM’s wallets. Even if he starts off shaky from in front, I think he will definitely see a great portion of penalty attempts.
Free Kicks
Gareth Bale – Same as if no one is brought in, Gareth Bale will be taking the free kicks for obvious reasons.
So, What Would I Do?
Now, I am not sure how you value trophies, but I have personally won over 10 Champions Leagues, 15 league titles, 10 domestic cups and 10 Europa Leagues in my tenure as a manager on FIFA, so I think I have some clue about what I am talking about.
guys wearing a suit when they play a cup final in football manager is one of my all time favorite things ever pic.twitter.com/hyEy7wAWe9
— ☆★ゆい★☆ (@nflstreet4) June 30, 2017
In all seriousness though, I obviously don’t have the pedigree Zidane does nor do I coach or manage a side, but this would be my starting 11 if Ronaldo was sold.
Above you can see, I completely changed formation and the attack for the most part. I’d play a 4-4-2 Diamond but Modric and Kroos would be a step or two back from the midfield.
As far as the attack, I’d 100% play James at his traditional #10 role and have him link up with Mbappé, who’d I surely bring in. On the wings, I’d have versatile players who can bring the ball in or continue to play out wide in Marco and Isco, and both have their fair share of space.
Besides the plausible options listed and talked about above, guys like Morata and James would be less likely to be sold. The reasons for the latter are simple. Morata is flexible and can play on the wing and up through the middle, and if Mbappé is brought in, it would most likely be solely as a winger.
James will also be less likely to be sold because instead of Asensio playing through the middle, he would be the first choice left winger if Ronaldo was sold and Mbappé wasn’t brought in. If Ronaldo was sold, you would also see Real play more often with a CAM, James’s best position. Now I think if Kylian was brought in, James would still be sold.
Choices, choices…
As you can see, Real Madrid have a lot of options whether Ronaldo is sold and Mbappé is brought in or isn’t.
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They definitely have the talent and versatility of players to mess around with some formations and tactics, despite what would be an even younger team.
I will say this though, there would undoubtedly be a learning curve for the team whether you like it or not. Especially if Mbappé was brought in and Asensio started on the left. That would practically be two whole new players for the starting 11.
Lastly, no matter how you slice it or want to view it, Ronaldo would be a tremendous loss no matter who you want to be brought in or who will. There is the only player on the planet who is on the level CR7 is and that is Messi. And he will obviously not be brought in.