Real Madrid: The ideal front three under Carlo Ancelotti

LW Kylian Mbappe

Since this is an “ideal” front three and not necessarily a pragmatic one, I think it’s OK to throw Kylian Mbappe’s name into this group. Before, I would have Mbappe on the right-hand side and Eden Hazard on the left, but even the optimism around Carlo Ancelotti’s hire does not change my opinion on Hazard.

I love Hazard. I think he is still an excellent player when he’s on the pitch. But that is precisely the problem. Nobody can guarantee that he will be on the pitch. The injuries are too frequent and damaging. Ancelotti can do great things with Hazard, but “can” is such a loaded word here. Because Ancelotti can control for a lot. Injuries, though, are something Ancelotti has no power over.

I’m not sure if Mbappe is realistic this summer, but I still believe a move is possible. I believe Real Madrid will sell as many pieces as possible in order to afford the PSG superstar. Florentino Perez knows the importance of getting a goal-scoring superstar like Mbappe who can rule the Bernabeu for the next decade. He will stop at nothing to acquire him.

And if Mbappe joins Real, he has to start on the left-hand side and take the No. 7 jersey. He is the man for that responsibility. The ONLY man for that responsibility, as we saw these past two seasons. Real Madrid still need to do whatever they can to sign Mbappe. Ancelotti will have the tactical side sorted out, but Los Blancos very much require a superstar to meet expectations.