Real Madrid’s possible starting lineup against Valencia in the Spanish Super Cup
The main question is whether or not Ferland Mendy will feature; Rodrygo is set to start on the wing.
With the news of the injuries of Alaba and Tchouameni (both with calf problems) still to be assessed, Ancelotti’s philosophy must be applied: there are solutions to problems. Two doors have closed but two others have opened: Rüdiger, who had already replaced the Austrian against Valladolid, will play at centre-back and Kroos will play as a pivot. With the German’s calmness in the engine room, Madrid will fight to beat Valencia and get a place in the final on Sunday. It will be the fourth time Kroos will have played in that position this season (Mallorca, Elche, Valladolid and Celtic).
The right wing conundrum
The rest of the team presents fewer unknowns. The vacancy that Kroos leaves by moving further back will be filled by Valverde who continues to find form. Since the World Cup, he is yet to shine (in Qatar, in fact, he went unnoticed). Valverde’s switch means the right wing is now free, perfectly ready for Rodrygo in a remarkable moment of form and scorer of the fantastic solo goal against Cacereño in the Copa del Rey.
Carvajal is still a doubt
Shifting the pieces like this leaves a strong team on the field. Carvajal, absent at La Cerámica due to slight muscular discomfort, has been through two training sessions as normal and is aiming for a position in the eleven, but just in case, Lucas Vázquez would be Plan B. Up top there are no doubts: the Benzema-Vinicius tandem, which has scored goals in past Spanish Super Cups, will be in charge of leading the strike force once again.
Possible lineup against Valencia
So, the team that Ancelotti will presumably lay out in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup, this Wednesday, against Valencia would be made up of Courtois in goal; Carvajal or Lucas Vázquez on the right side and Mendy or Nacho on the left with Militao and Rüdiger in between. In the middle, Kroos, Valverde and Modric; and at the point of attack, Rodrygo, Vinicius and Benzema.
