3 non-negotiable UEFA Super Cup starters for Real Madrid vs Atalanta

Real Madrid face their first competitive match-up of the 2024/25 season this evening. They travel to Poland to face Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup. It is a competition which has served both Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti well in the past, so they see the value of beginning the campaign with a European trophy.

However, Carlo Ancelotti does face some starting lineup dilemmas before the game commences. As things stand, Kylian Mbappe and Endrick are both yet to make their competitive debuts for Real Madrid and with some players still not up to full match sharpness, there could be some rotation before the Spanish domestic season commences.

With that being said, though, here are 3 non-negotiable starters for Real Madrid vs Atalanta...

3 non-negotiable UEFA Super Cup starters for Real Madrid vs Atalanta

1. Vinicius Junior

Brazil had a very underwhelming Copa America campaign, which only worked in Real Madrid's favour since they now have some of their best players available for selection again.

Last season, Vinicius Junior was Real Madrid's best player. He was their top goal-scorer across all competitions and he scored a vital goal in the UEFA Champions League final, to seal victory after Dani Carvajal got Los Blancos off to a good start.

Even alongside the new additions, Vinicius Junior is still expected to be a big part of Real Madrid's future plans. With the recent news that big offers are coming in for him, it would be in Carlo Ancelotti's best interest to keep him happy. Not that Ancelotti needed any convincing to start his best player, since Vini is already a non-negotiable starter for Real Madrid vs Atalanta.

2. Kylian Mbappe

Without a doubt, the world will be watching if Kylian Mbappe makes his Real Madrid debut. As one of the best players, his arrival came with a lot of viewership and it only exponentially increased the Real Madrid brand.

Kylian Mbappe has achieved an incredible amount at the age of 25. At Real Madrid, he is only forecasted to achieve a lot more.

Therefore, he is a key part of Carlo Ancelotti's 2024/25 plan. To ensure he is up to scratch in terms of match fitness, Kylian Mbappe should be utilised from the beginning of the UEFA Super Cup. Not only would it test his match fitness, it would also provide a gage into how Kylian Mbappe will be used in the starting eleven for the new campaign and how well he gels with the likes of Vinicius Junior in attack.

3. Thibaut Courtois

It remains to be seen whether or not Real Madrid sign a backup goalkeeper to replace Andriy Lunin. There is still time in the summer transfer window.

However, the future of Lunin to one side, Thibaut Courtois is the starting goalkeeper for Real Madrid anyway. He will be a key figurehead for Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti will hope he remains fit for the whole of the new season, unlike the last campaign. Therefore, starting the Belgium international in the UEFA Super Cup is the right way to go about his plan.

Besides, Thibaut Courtois has the best experience of any Real Madrid goalkeeper. He has played in many big fixtures, particularly for Real Madrid. Therefore, Carlo Ancelotti must trust his experience and decision-making between the sticks.

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