Carlo Ancelotti’s preseason training continues at full swing at the Valdebebas. The Italian is taking his time in understanding the mixed group of players (youth and veterans) to formulate his game-plan for his third season at Real Madrid.
One of the many players who has caught Ancelotti’s eye is right-back Ferland Mendy due to his defensive prowess. Los Blancos could potentially face a crisis in their defence next season if Raphael Varane follows suit to Sergio Ramos towards the exit door.
However, the former Everton manager believes that he can address the lack of depth in the centre-back position by converting Ferland Mendy into a centre-back.
Jose Luis Sanchez has stated on El Chiringuito TV that Carlo Ancelotti is considering playing Ferland Mendy as a centre-back next season.
Can Ferland Mendy thrive as a centre-back at Real Madrid?
Ferland Mendy checks all the requirements that are needed for a centre-back. He’s fast, strong, intercepts play very well, reads the game fantastically, and is even a brave tackler. However, in the modern game, a centre-back is more than just a physical figure in the backline.
Today, centre-backs are considered to be the first line of the attack or the creators as managers prefer to build up from the back. This was a simple task for Los Blancos with Ramos and Varane at the back- two excellent ball-playing centre-backs.
However, Mendy is not cut from the same cloth as Ramos or Varane on the ball. While, he certainly can read the game well and does have a physical presence in the defence, his ball distribution and touch while under pressure are concerning.
Biggest questions for Ferland Mendy at CB would be passing ability in build-up play and close control under pressure. That's the real stress test for him there, because he checks off all the boxes defensively. Intelligent, strong, sound in the tackle.
— The Real Champs (@TheRealChampsFS) July 16, 2021
However, if Ancelotti does insist on playing Mendy as an LCB the best formation would be 3-5-2 in my opinion.
David Alaba can operate as an LWB in the five-man midfield while Mendy plays as the LCB in the three-man defence. Alaba can drop deep during the build-up play and provide Mendy with passing lanes on the wings. Thereby, easing off the pressure on Ferland Mendy’s shoulders.
What do you think of Ferland Mendy playing as a centre-back? Should Ancelotti consider using him in a back three or play a conventional 4-3-3 and have Mendy pair up alongside Eder Militao or Nacho?