How Real Madrid’s starting XI could look in 23/24 season

The Real Madrid squad has several new faces coming in ahead of the 23/24 season. Youngsters are arriving, while long-time players like Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio have called an end to their respective journeys at Santiago Bernabeu. On the other hand, stalwarts like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are in the twilight of their careers as well. Thus, the starting XI could look a bit different moving forward.

It remains to be seen if Real Madrid will bring in a replacement for Benzema this summer. The Frenchman had been the club’s main source of goals for the past five seasons.

If they don’t, and Real Madrid are without a world-class striker next season, then Carlo Ancelotti might have to shift away from his 4-3-3 formation. And the Italian manager seems to recognise that as well.

As reported by ESPN, Ancelotti has said that he plans to trial a new formation during Real Madrid’s pre-season tour of the United States. The Italian is looking to fit new signings like Jude Bellingham into the team.

How Real Madrid’s starting XI could look in 23/24 season

Ancelotti has stuck true to his 4-3-3 formation since returning to Real Madrid in the summer of 2021. However, with the squad he has available right now, a change in shape might be needed to bring the best possible results.

The formation that might make the most sense with the talent available to Ancelotti is a 4-4-2, with a diamond in midfield. It could see Aurelien Tchouameni as the deepest midfielder with Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos ahead of him, and Jude Bellingham playing in front of them in the number 10 role.

The defence would remain for the most part unchanged with the exception of Fran Garcia coming in as the new starting left-back. And finally, without a natural striker available, Ancelotti could use a front two of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. It would be interesting to see how the two would adapt their playing styles without a target man to link up with.