Real Madrid: The strongest starting XI for three possible formations

The 4-2-3-1

The 4-2-3-1 formation is used by many teams nowadays, most notably Bayern Munich. Here again, the two central pivots provide balance to the team in both attack and defense. It is also one of the formations which still boasts the No.10 role or the CAM position.

GK- Thibaut Courtois

LB- Miguél Gutierrez

LCB – David Alaba

RCB- Eder Militao

RB- Dani Carvajal

DM- Toni Kroos & Luka Modric

The double-pivot in the 4-2-3-1 is similar to that of the 4-4-2, albeit being a little deeper. Again Kroos and Modric would be perfect to handle these positions. Toni Kroos would assume more of a deep-lying playmaker role, whereas Modric can act as the box-to-box player, occasionally making runs into the opposition box. Casemiro can start against more attacking opponents.

Again, Camavinga and Blanco can act as backups in this position.

CAM- Isco

Isco can act as the no.10 in this formation. Ancelotti’s trust in the Spaniard is a big boost for him, as he is looking to get his career back on track. Isco has had a great start to the season. Especially in the game against Levante, where he was the best player in the first half. If Ancelotti could somehow get the best out of Isco, the team’s ceiling would get lifted significantly.
Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio can also operate in this role. Asensio has been utilized as a CM in recent games but would easily fit in a CAM role.

LAM- Vinicius Junior

RAM- Gareth Bale

Rodrygo and Fede Valverde could also play in this position.

ST- Karim Benzema

What other formations do you think Ancelotti could use this season? Have your say in the comments section below.