Real Madrid: Three ways the defence can line up next season

ALABA-MENDY-MILITAO-CARVAJAL

David Alaba could be integrated straight into the first team and on his conventional role of a left-back. The 28-year-old is safe and secure on the left flank of defence and perhaps pips his French counterpart in Mendy as far as qualities on both ends of the pitch are concerned. Alaba is a solid attacker and an equally good defender as well, with more experience than Mendy too.

Mendy’s offensive frailties could see him being moved into the role of a central defender, where he is likely to do a commendable job due to his brilliant physique and awareness of the defensive side of things. Militao’s form from the previous campaign suggests that he is indispensable and as a result of that, Nacho may have to drop to the bench on certain occasions and rotate places.

Carvajal will continue to play at right-back as long as he remains fit and in form. He is too good to be benched on a good day and is head and shoulders about Odriozola and Vazquez in terms of the qualities that a full-back must possess. The above mentioned Spaniards could only feature in rotational circumstances, while the former could be phased out of the team entirely and get sold.