Real Madrid have undergone a bit of a transformation in the summer. Players like Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler have been brought in, who could be a regular fixture in the team for years to come. On the other hand, a stalwart like Karim Benzema is no longer at the club. His exit has also led to a change in formation.
Carlo Ancelotti’s used a 4-4-2 formation during pre-season to mixed results. And he stuck with it in the first game of the La Liga season as well.
While Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo started as a duo up top, there was a diamond in midfield. Bellingham was the most advanced, Aurelien Tchouameni at the base and Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde were between them.
Two all-time legends, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were left on the bench. Both came on in the second half though.
Real Madrid superstar reportedly unhappy right now
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Modric is unhappy with his current situation, with the role of a substitute that he is having to accept at the start of the season at Real Madrid. It was not too long ago that he renewed his contract with the club.
It remains to be seen whether the rumours of Modric being unhappy are accurate or not. At the end of the day, he is set to turn 38 years of age next month and must have expected a reduced role in the team, especially after the signing of Bellingham.
It is widely expected that this will be Modric’s last season at Real Madrid. He has done a terrific job over the years. But time and tide wait for none. The time to develop the next generation has come. That does not mean that the Croatian cannot have a role in the team though and one would expect him to get plenty of minutes over the course of the campaign.