Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly considering changing Real Madrid’s formation next season to accommodate for the changing nature of the squad.
Los Blancos have typically lined up in a 4-3-3 shape under the Italian but, given the arrival of Jude Bellingham and the departure of Karim Benzema, a significant change might be on the cards.
A report in Spain from AS has suggested that Carlo Ancelotti may tweak his tactics to line up in a 4-3-1-2 shape, with wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo moving towards the centre, and Bellingham playing furthest forward out of four central midfielders.
Jude Bellingham, who has been handed the number five shirt, which once belonged to Zinedine Zidane, may be given a free role to express himself going forward, whilst the three midfielders behind him could be formed with any combination of Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde or Toni Kroos.
Modric has now confirmed that he will stay at the club for at least one more season, meaning Real Madrid’s depth in the middle of the park contains a near-perfect mixture of youthful exuberance and experienced quality.
Could this change Real Madrid’s transfer plans?
This tactical shift could mean that Real Madrid do not pursue a mega-money striker deal in the transfer window, following links with Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
Perhaps Ancelotti sees this upcoming campaign as a chance to experiment with Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior as central options, and with both Kane and Mbappe potentially becoming free agents next summer, they could be considered depending on the success of this formation.
Although Benzema’s departure may be noticeable, given the Frenchman’s extremely successful career in Madrid, changing to a more fluid system could help mask his absence, and may allow Bellingham, Vinicius and Rodrygo to increase their own output in front of goal.
Bellingham scored 14 goals in 42 appearances last season, and if given the opportunity to roam forward, he could increase his tally even further in a Real Madrid shirt.
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