Carlo Ancelotti and his boys will be hoping to get back to winning ways with the best possible lineup after a rather disappointing start to the season as defending champions.
Heading to match day 2 of the 2024/25 LaLiga season, injuries have particularly not been kind to the merengues, who have now added Jude Bellingham to their increasingly growing list, shortly after Camavinga suffered the same fate.
A report on Friday morning, later confirmed by manager Carlo Ancelotti in his pre-match press conference claimed the Englishman had suffered a knock and would be sidelined for upto a month.
Talking about absentees, Ancelotti’s most trusted LB, Ferland Mendy will also miss Sundays showdown after seeing straight red on the opening match day.
With all things considered, Madrid my DNA brings you a possible lineup Ancelotti could align against Real Valladolid in a 4-4-2 formation.
Defensive set-up
Gk: Thibaut Courtois.
With the Belgian fully fit, Ancelotti is always going to count on his most trusted skipper in the starting lineup, more so as the team eye their first three points.
RB: Dani Carvajal.
Carvajal was arguably the best RB in the world last season, with performances which even included him in the Ballon d’Or conversation. His early showings this season suggest his contributions will be vital for the teams success.
CB: Rüdiger.
Rüdiger’s appearance in the starting lineup needs no justification. When all hopes seemed lost I’m the defence last season, Rüdiger was the light who guided Madrid to success.
CB: Militão.
Injured for most part of last season, it’s fair to say Militão is returning to the player he once was, with his performances against Atalanta making a strong case for himself.
LB: Fran Garcia.
Young Fran Garcia will have yet another opportunity to try and give Ancelotti a bit of a headache when Mendy returns as to who will be a regular in the lineup, however, so far Mendy is the clear favorite.
Midfield
DM: Aurelien Tchouaméni.
Although some fans claim Tchouaméni is yet to live up to the expectations in midfield, the Frenchman remains a trusted player in Ancelotti’s lineup
CM: Valverde:
An unplayable midfielder for Real Madrid, the engine of this midfield with those legs which never gets tired of running, Valverde is one of the first names on Ancelotti’s lineup.
CM: Modrić.
The old guard, 38 and counting but still got that incredibly touch and magic to play at the highest level, more so at Real Madrid.
However, his appearance in the starting lineup is much owed to Bellingham’s injury.
AM: Rodrygo.
Once Bellingham got injured, Spanish newspaper, Marca, was quick to report that Carlo Ancelotti intends to use Rodrygo as a #10, just behind the two big guys. A natural left-winger by trade, it will be interesting to see how he performs in his new Role in this lineup
Attack
ST: Kylian Mbappe.
After being used as a #9 in his opening two games, were he has managed to score 1 goal, it will be interesting to see how he fairs in a front-two.
ST: Vinicius Jr.
Playing in a front two particularly for Vinicius Jr is nothing strange, but the fact that his striking partner is Kylian Mbappe and not Brazilian compatriot, Rodrygo, makes things interesting to watch how both combine.
