3 Real Madrid players that Carlo Ancelotti can experiment with in different positions
Real Madrid picked up three points on Saturday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu against Rayo Vallecano. The Merengues dominated the proceedings for most of the game but looked abysmal during the final 10-15 minutes. The fixture ended 2-1 in favour of the hosts as Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema managed to find the back of the net before half-time.
Carlo Ancelotti took his time to make substitutions after bringing on Eden Hazard and Lucas Vazquez after the 80th-minute mark and Nacho Fernandez later come on during the dying embers of the game.
To everyone’s surprise, Ancelotti brought on Hazard for Karim Benzema and the Belgian was slotted straight into the centre of the attack. The 30-year-old was asked to play as a false nine for the little minutes he received.
In light of Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical tweak with Eden Hazard’s position, let’s have a look at some of the players that Ancelotti can experiment with.
DAVID ALABA – CENTRAL MIDFIELD
David Alaba has to be the best signing in La Liga this season. The Austrian has been absolutely phenomenal since signing for Real Madrid and has imposed himself as a key figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting eleven. Not only has he successfully filled in Sergio Ramos’ void in the defence but he’s also been offering a completely different dimension when Real Madrid build-up from the back due to his ball-playing ability.
Alaba has played 12 games as a centre-back this season and has been directly involved in four goals. He scored an absolute rocket against Barcelona and added his third assist of the season with a defence-splitting pass against Rayo Vallecano to set Karim Benzema up with the easiest of finishes.
David Alaba’s calm and composed style of play while on the ball coupled with his vision, touch and ability to thrive off pressure makes him one of the world’s best centre-backs at the moment. And the best part is, the Austrian can also play in multiple positions and dominate those areas of the pitch as well.
In my opinion, Carlo Ancelotti can experiment playing Alaba in a different position at Real Madrid. Casemiro is having quite a woeful start to the season as the Brazilian looks completely lost in most games and is often gifting possession away.
The Italian does not seem to completely trust Antonio Blanco to fill in Casemiro’s position, thus the next best alternative would be David Alaba. As Pep Guardiola once said: “He’s an unbelievable talent. He can play anywhere. He’s quick, good in the build-up and always 100 per cent focused”
Those words remain true to date, David Alaba can literally boss any position. In the past, at Bayern Munich, Alaba played almost 100 games as a midfielder. He’s played across the engine room as a left, right, centre and holding midfielder. And he’s been great at each position.
I do not see a reason why Alaba would not be a great replacement for Casemiro if he’s played in that position. We’ve seen that every time Alaba carries the ball forward, Real Madrid look a lot more dangerous during the transition.
He’s an excellent carrier of the ball and he reads the game exceptionally well too. Not to forget to mention, he’s got a strong eye for a tackle and can shoot from distance. Making him the complete package. I would love to see Ancelotti give Alaba a start in the midfield sometime this season.