Real Madrid: The strongest starting XI for three possible formations
By Avi Nagar
THE 4-3-3
Real Madrid has heavily utilized the 4-3-3 formation for the past few years, and it won’t become obsolete anytime soon. Ancelotti has used this setup for the first three games of this season as well.
Here we look at the best possible lineup in this setup.
Goalkeeper- Thibaut Courtois
Barring any unexpected event, Thibaut Courtois will likely start almost all matches Real Madrid plays in La Liga and the Champions League. The big Belgian is one of the best goalkeepers in the sport right now. He had a tremendous contribution to the team for the past two years and would like to continue his top-notch form once again this season.
LB- Miguel Gutiérrez
The Castilla left-back has had a steep rise during the past few months. Since debuting under Zidane at the tail end of last season, he has shown a streak of good performances, and he now finds himself on the contention of starting the games. Miguel was brilliant against Real Betis in the third matchday of La Liga this season.
However, once Ferland Mendy returns from injury, he will give tough competition to Miguel. Mendy offers immense defensive security, and playing him against attacking teams would be more favorable to Real Madrid. So we may see game time shared between these two.
My verdict – Both Miguel and Mendy will get nearly equal playing time.
LCB – David Alaba
RCB- Eder Militao
The center-back partnership of Militao and Alaba should be clear to start for Real Madrid. Alaba was brought for free as a replacement for Sergio Ramos and would act as the leader at the back. He has looked at home during his first three starts for the club. Although the defense has looked weak, we can expect the partnership to get settled and improve over the season.
Due to the defense being very slim, Nacho, currently the third choice center-back, is also expected to get plenty of opportunities.
RB- Dani Carvajal
Dani Carvajal, when fit, can be considered one of the best right-backs in the world. The Spaniard had a poor last campaign, as he missed a lot of matches due to injury. However, the club has put faith in him and awarded him with an extension. It’s time for Carvajal to prove his worth again. The goal against Real Betis would do a world of good for him.
Lucas Vazquez, who also got an extension, would be the primary backup to Carvajal.
LCM- Toni Kroos
Once Toni Kroos comes back from his pubalgia injury, he will unquestionably slot in as a starter. The ex-German international adds a lot of vital elements to the team. Kroos’ precision and composure help a lot in him controlling the tempo of the game.
Unlike last season, Kroos will have plenty of backups. Camavinga could be a regular substitute in Kroos’ position and may even start games until Kroos returns to full fitness. In addition, Dani Ceballos will also add to the depth once he returns from his injury.
CDM- Casemiro
There is no doubt regarding Casemiro’s importance to the team. “The Tank” will again be as important as ever for the Spanish giants. Casemiro provides something that no other player in the world can. His ability to close out the attacks is phenomenal. He is also a decent passer of the ball, although this quality of his is quite underrated.
A significant difference from last season is the presence of backup in the CDM position. Antonio Blanco and Eduardo Camavinga are capable of playing a CDM role. We may finally see Casemiro getting some rest during the season.
RCM- Fede Valverde
Uruguayan Fede Valverde is on the right track to success and has made himself capable of starting for the Los Blancos. Ball handling and accurate passing are Valverde’s best attributes. He is also a brilliant ball carrier. The lung-bursting runs he makes have become somewhat his trademark.
Although Luka Modric may be preferred ahead of Valverde when fully fit, he shouldn’t be strained and requires proper rest due to his age. Therefore, we may see a nearly equal division of minutes between Modric and Valverde.
LW- Vinicius Junior
Vinicius is having a scintillating start to the season. His two goals against Levante were quite exceptional. If he continues this good form, we may see Vinicius establishing himself as a starter ahead of Hazard.
Eden Hazard’s fitness problems mean Vinicius would get plenty of chances. Although Hazard has shown encouraging signs recently, he will inevitably need rest to avoid muscle strain. Hazard and Vinicius may end up getting a fair share of minutes among them.
ST- Karim Benzema
There is no doubt regarding the striker position. Benzema will lead the line once again and has continued where he left off last season. He already has 2 goals and 3 assists in the first three games. The Frenchman may finally win the Pichichi this season.
Benzema’s involvement in the French National team could affect his minutes with the club. Consequently, Ancelotti may look to give Luka Jovic more opportunities.
RW- Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale has looked solid recently. He scored Real Madrid’s first goal against Levante. That goal was his first for the club in nearly two years. Bale has also shown great form in international duty with Wales. If the Welshman can stay fit for long, he can have a contribution to the attack.
Gareth Bale’s immediate backup would be Rodrygo. He will once again have considerable playing time to improve his game. Although Rodrygo may occasionally start a game, he is more likely to be a substitute.