Real Madrid News
Ancelotti experimenting with Real Madrid’s blockbuster new signing as a No. 9 in training
With the international stars rejoining training in the United States, Carlo Ancelotti now has a nearly full-strength squad at his disposal ahead of the new season. Less than a month remains before the league kicks off, and the Italian tactician is against the wall in terms of formulating a new dynamic.
The departure of Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio leaves the coach short-staffed in the forward department. At the same time, there is a renewed depth in midfield considering the arrivals of Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham.
Arancha Rodriguez (h/t Madrid Xtra) provides an insider’s update on the ideas the manager is implementing in his training sessions. According to the journalist, Ancelotti used Bellingham as the No. 9 in yesterday’s training.
The setup experimented with included Vinicius Jr on the left flank and Brahim Diaz down the right. The new midfield signing started as the number nine to complete the front three.
Another forward trio tried by the Italian tactician consisted of Rodrygo Goes down the left and Arda Guler on the right wing with Joselu playing as the central striker.
Both the permutations experimented based on the fundamental of a 4-3-3 formation, yet present contrasting dynamics. While Joselu served as an out-and-out finisher in his role, the idea of deploying Bellingham in the forward line is different.
The English star was asked to play as a false-nine in the setup, dropping behind the wingers and orchestrating play from the half-spaces. Needless to say, it is one of the options on Ancelotti’s mind for next season if the club do not sign another attacker.
Apart from the 4-3-3 of last season, the manager is also considering options including a 4-4-2 diamond and a 4-2-3-1 setup with a double pivot. The coming preseason games will provide a clearer insight into the options Ancelotti sees as candidate choices.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid impressed by midfielder’s role with national team, believe Mourinho can replicate it
According to journalist Anton Meana on SER Deportivos, Eduardo Camavinga’s role with the French national team is attracting attention inside Real Madrid.
The midfielder has not enjoyed his best spell in a Real Madrid shirt and has come under scrutiny for his recent performances, particularly his display against Bayern Munich, which many felt contributed to the club’s elimination from last season’s Champions League.
Although Camavinga has not been one of Jose Mourinho’s most frequently used players since the new season began, his situation could now change, particularly after his performances during the latest international break.
Camavigna impressed with France
During the international break, Camavinga earned a recall to the French national team under new manager Zinedine Zidane.
And the 23-year-old starlet made the most of his chance, impressing in the two starts he made against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.
The France coaching staff is understood to have been very pleased with the midfielder, and now, it seems that those at Real Madrid have taken pointers from the development.
“At the club, they are happy with the role that Zinedine Zidane, Florentino Pérez’s favourite coach, has given Camavinga with France,” Meana explained.
Real Madrid want to see more of Camavinga on the ball
At Real Madrid, there is a belief that the version of Camavinga seen with France is particularly valuable.
He has been active both with and without the ball, operating in midfield and playing more as a number six than a deeper holding midfielder.
The club believe that this version of Camavinga gives France a great deal and that Mourinho could replicate the approach at Real Madrid.
The club’s midfield department continues to generate doubts, with none of the players making the starting spots their own.
Tthe names of Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva have all been considered, but there remains a feeling inside Real Madrid that the midfield lacks enough creativity and control.
Camavinga could therefore have an important role in addressing that problem, particularly if he can reproduce the performances he has delivered under Zidane with France.
“It is an alternative that the club views favourably after what they have seen from Zidane’s France during this international break, with the idea that Eduardo Camavinga should have more involvement in the team’s possession,” Meana concluded.
Camavinga, for his part, is aware that he has been unable to live up to his full potential at Real Madrid so far. Having shown signs of regaining form and confidence, he will be gunning to build on it once he returns to the club.
