Real Madrid: The ideal front three under Carlo Ancelotti

There’s a “new” sheriff in town. Carlo Ancelotti has returned to his previous position as Real Madrid manager, taking over for another legendary, three-time Champions League-winning figure who had two stints as Los Blancos’ lead man. Ancelotti, like Zinedine Zidane, is known for his ability to work with veteran players, but he may be an even kinder soul to those looking to get a second chance.

So that’s why there is renewed optimism surrounding Isco and even Gareth Bale as Ancelotti gets ready to begin his second stint in charge of Real Madrid.

For more than a year, Madridistas have been predicting and giving their dream selections for the “front three of the future”. Let’s take a look at where we stand on that front three right now after Ancelotti’s appointment and if anything has changed with a new manager.

CF Karim Benzema

Let’s get the obvious choice out of the way. Karim Benzema is 33 years old but is still one of the top three strikers in world football and easily the most well-rounded. He can conceivably play at the highest level for a few more years, as he has shown no signs of slowing down. Far from it. I honestly wonder if we are watching the best Benzema we have seen in years, and he is the best man to help the next star wide forward at the Santiago Bernabeu fulfill his potential.

Benzema scored 30 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid last season. Their attack was a total carry-job on Benz’s part. He was the primary reason why Los Blancos had a fighting chance in the Champions League semifinals and competed for the LaLiga crown on the season’s final day. And it was fitting that he had a late goal and assist to win that match, even if Atletico Madrid’s victory ultimately meant the win was “for naught”.

The striker position still has Benzema’s name written in pen. Luka Jovic is lurking and Erling Haaland is a top transfer target, but Benzema is still the man. They’ve tried unseating him before (Robert Lewandowski, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rumors), but there’s a reason why he has never been ousted from football’s most high-pressure position.