How Real Madrid could line up with the arrival of Kylian Mbappé

It’s nothing to do with the papacy but the fumes of white smoke to make the announcement have been slowly growing fuller. We had already heard, quite some time ago, that Kylian Mbappé had finally agreed to become a Real Madrid player. The saga to secure his signing may have taken several years but now we have the official communication. And it comes on the back of a LaLiga and Champions League double. What a time to be a Madridista!

Mbappé is a forward to complete a team designed, season after season, with care and meticulous market scrutiny. The policy has rarely been to seek patches to temporarily cover holes, but instead focus on the main objective, immediate and longer-term solutions. Thus, it is understood that, in the endless wait for the PSG player, the number 9 remained vacant. The jersey and the position, with Karim Benzema’s departure to Saudi Arabia.

Now, Florentino Pérez has his man... and manager Carlo Ancelotti has the enviable job of slotting him into an already sparkling group of players in the present, and one that looks even more dazzling for the future. With Toni Kroos stepping away, and Luka Modric stepping aside somewhat given his age, the young Frenchman could slide into three systems.

Mbappé, Vinicius, Rodrygo: is MVR Real Madrid’s new BBC?

The first one is pure rock and roll. Speed, muscle, and instinct. The lot. It’s the prototype formation in motion until Jude Bellingham landed. The 4-3-3 of the BBC. Also one with Valverde as a false winger. The letters don’t fit as smoothly as Benzema, Bale, and Cristiano, but Vinicius, Rodrygo, and new-boy Mbappé don’t need initialisms. That said, be ready for Spanish commentators enthusiastically making motorbike noises for multiple rapid attacks from the VRM, VRM, VRM.

Three attackers with sharpness, and an undeniable ability to fluidly interchange positions. Luis Enrique has given Ancelotti a hand, boosting the role of the Bondy star as a centre forward. The result screams goal. Out of Kylian’s 31 goals and seven assists, 20 and six have come in the 18 matches where he has been the Parisian number nine. Neither Brazilian should fear his arrival.

The facts should bury any real debate over this, however, it is a setup that, at first glance, distances Bellingham from the opposition penalty area and leaves Camavinga or Tchouameni displaced. This is, in part, because Valverde and his lungs are non-negotiable for Ancelotti. It is also the most daring option, although the Englishman has blossomed as a midfielder and his defensive effort is unquestionable.

MVB: potentially Madrid’s most valuable formation

The next two alternatives are schemes that would, on paper, hurt Rodrygo. The rest of the names remain the same: Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Bellingham, Mbappé, and Vinicius. However, their positioning on the pitch changes. Ancelotti, upon detecting his team’s offensive potential, designed a diamond formation with a clear focus: Bellingham. As an attacking midfielder, the Englishman had an electrifying start to the season, flirting with a goal per game. With this tactic, Jude acts as the conduit for everything, flanked by Valverde and Camavinga as central midfielders, with Tchouameni anchoring.

A solid backbone, with Vinicius and Mbappé as the destroyers up top. The problem? The defensive burden on them.

Mbappé and Vinicius lead the line

And that’s where Plan C comes into play. The scheme with the most defensive coverage due to the positioning of the pieces. A 4-4-2 formation that has been gaining momentum as Los Blancos’ season progresses. However, it has been with Kroos and Valverde in the double pivot where Ancelotti has reaped the greatest rewards. The Camavinga-Tchouameni duo in parallel still has to prove its worth, but there is no doubt within the club that they are the engine room for many years to come. Initially they would be the chosen ones by the Italian coach, which would leave them flanked by the lads from England and Uruguay.

Clearly this frees up Vinicius and Mbappé, with fewer defensive duties. It would also allow Bellingham, more than the others, to join them in attack, as he perfectly adapts from wide to penetrate inwardly, while his imposing physique allows him to cover Vinicius’ back.

Whatever the choice, the more likely approach across the 2024/25 campaign will be a combination of them all, and others. Horses for courses, they say, and that is exactly what any good manager will do. Consider the available players, assess their form, and analysis the opponent before unleashing an XI to destroy them.

Real Madrid’s bench of white gold

As mentioned before, these are three alternatives based on the expected departures of legends Kroos and Modric. And behind them is a bench to draw upon. Brahim fits into all schemes, whether as a forward, attacking midfielder, or on either flank. Rodrygo could be an undisputed starter, constantly vying to regain his position if the scheme penalises him.

Then there is Joselu, who would maintain the role of a ‘different option’ with a unique striking profile in the squad. Adding to that, Güler with a season of experience and Ceballos, if not troubled by physical issues, has Ancelotti’s full confidence, delighted with his football and commitment. It’s a squad with so many choices from middle to front, but only six can fit, based on four defenders behind. Not the worst problem for the manager to have.