REAL MADRID
Carlo Ancelotti’s preferred Real Madrid XI
The Italian has given clues on Real Madrid’s preseason of the US about his starting eleven preferences.
Now that Real Madrid’s US tour is over, it’s time to take stock and draw conclusions, with just a week to go before the league opener against Athletic Club. It has not gone exactly to plan in preseason with two wins and two defeats for a club that has signed well in the summer window. Los Blancos conceded eight goals in their four games on US soil.
Game time at Real Madrid
The distribution of minutes during preseason, designed by Carlo Ancelotti and his assistants, shows several of the ideas that the Italian has in mind for the new season, as well as his preferences for his eleven in the bigger matches. His side has experience at the back, and youth and energy in midfield and attack.
Bellingham key
With Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga as undisputed starters, along with Vinicius - the three who have had the most minutes on the tour - the debate revolves around the other two remaining positions. Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouameni are gaining more and more prominence against veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who have gradually seen their minutes on the pitch decrease. Dani Ceballos and Arda Güler, both currently injured, remain in Ancelotti’s plans, and will have opportunities.
Madrid’s defence
In goal, there is no debate. Thibaut Courtois is the club’s No 1 and has been excellent for years. The back four expected to play in the opener against Athletic are Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Fran García. With Ferland Mendy’s latest injury, Fran García will have the opportunity to take a step forward and establish himself in the position. As for the central defenders, the Brazilian and the Austrian have an advantage in the battle for starting places, although both Nacho and Antonio Rüdiger are expected to get plenty of game time.
Brazilian attack
Vinicius and Rodrygo are the preferred forwards for Ancelotti. A large part of Madrid’s aspirations this season depends on their success in attack, supported by Joselu and Brahim off the bench. While the striker on loan from Espanyol has already scored for Madrid - a spectacular effort against Manchester United - the Malagueño has hardly been seen. Brahim is the player who has had the least minutes on an American tour.
