Eyebrows have been raised amongst the Madrid faithfuls, as Carlo Ancelotti drops his starting 11 vs sociedad. The big talking point of the day notably, is Brazilian winger Rodrygo goes, who has been benched for the second time in five games for Real Madrid.

The Brazilian has struggled to find his footing after scoring Madrid’s first goal in LaLiga this season, that coupled with underwhelming results has put Ancelotti in a spot where he must provide answers. Benching Rodrygo tonight, perhaps might just be one of those answers from the manager.

Real Madrid’s line-up

Defence;

Gk: Thibaut Courtois

Dani Carvajal, Eder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy

Midfielders;

Arda Güler, Fede Valverde, Luka Modrić

Attack;

Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe

How will the team operate?

According to experts at Real Madrid tv (RMTV), Fede Valverde has been task by the manager to operate as a DM. In absence of a natural defensive Midfielder in Aurelien Tchouaméni, Carlo Ancelotti trusts the Uruguayan to cover up for the Frenchman.

Valverde’s versatile abilities makes him the key man of this Real Madrid Midfield. His tireless energy to be present everywhere on the pitch, puts him a class above the rest.

With Valverde operating as a DM, RMTV experts also claimed Arda Güler would play as a Midfielder on the night. In the absence of Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler will be the perfect man to cover up the attacking midfield role. His creativity and attacking presence has earned him the role, though he’s a natural Right-winger.

With Valverde and Güler tasked with DM and AM respectively, captain Luka Modrić will oversee the tempo of the game as the CM. Modrić has strived in this area of the field his whole career, and we hope tonight will be no different.

Meanwhile, in attack there’s not much to talk about. Brahim Diaz will walk right into Rodrygo’s spot at RW, Mbappe as CF with Vinicius Jr operating at LW.