Real Madrid News
Ancelotti will continue with Real Madrid’s new formation, satisfied with team’s growth – report
Real Madrid got off to a fabulous start to their 2023-24 campaign at the weekend. Playing at San Mames, the men in white registered a dominant 2-0 win on the night to take all three points on Matchday 1.
One of the key talking points ahead of the clash with the Basque side was the formation Ancelotti would opt for on the night.
The Italian tactician had tried several combinations in the pre-season tour but the 4-4-2 diamond appeared to be his primary choice.
Indeed, the manager opted for the midfield-heavy setup against Athletic Club.
According to reports from MARCA, Ancelotti will stick with the diamond setup and is very happy with the team’s performance in the curtain raiser. He sees the team to be growing in the right direction.
Bellingham the protagonist
Ancelotti’s four-man midfield on the night consisted of Aurelien Tchouameni operating as the sole pivot with Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde deployed as interior midfielders.
The apex position was filled by Jude Bellingham, who was arguably the best player on the field for Los Blancos.
Playing directly behind the two forwards, the new signing was tasked with the role of creator-in-chief. In fact, he even got on the scoresheet at San Mames.
If Real Madrid are to succeed in their newfound setup, Bellingham will be key. After all, the onus of creating chances and scoring goals regularly bears heavily on his shoulders in the absence of a centre-forward.
Are there any defensive worries?
One of the takeaways from Los Blancos’ pre-season campaign was the relatively loose defensive setup.
The formation change had a direct role to play in the same, for it allowed easier penetration for the opposition down the flanks.
Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois’ injuries make the defensive situation at Real Madrid worrying, but Ancelotti has shown to be confident in his players’ ability to compensate for the deficit.
“It’s evident that when the team is collectively committed and has the right attitude, we are stronger defensively. The team was well positioned and strong in the duels,” he said after Real Madrid’s win over Athletic Club.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid very happy with future star Endrick, eagerly awaiting his arrival in 2024 – Romano
Real Madrid’s attacking unit has been crippled by the loss of Karim Benzema earlier in the summer, which was followed by the loss of Vinicius Jr due to injury.
Although Vinicius has returned, there is much left to be desired from the Madrid frontline as we progress through to the season.
Real Madrid, though, are waiting on the arrival of Endrick. The young Brazilian is set to join the Real Madrid squad in the summer of 2024 when he turns 18.
Real Madrid impressed by Endrick
Endrick has already started his preparation for his pending move to Santiago Bernabeu, having performed exceptionally well in his native Brazil this year.
The youngster is constantly working on his game, in order to further improve himself as an attacker. It has left Real Madrid quite happy and eager for his arrival, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The journalist claims that Real Madrid have been keeping close tabs on everything Endrick has been doing, on and off the pitch, at Palmeiras.
And they have received very good reports on the 17-year-old, with the club impressed by how he is putting efforts to improve himself both performance-wise and in other facets.
Despite there being some question marks over his performances, the teenage forward is starting to showcase his potential, having scored five goals in five starts for Palmeiras.
Endrick also learning new languages
Endrick is not only just working on his performance. In fact, the Brazilian is also learning other languages in order to quickly settle into life in Spain.
The youngster can speak Portuguese, but he may have to master Spanish during his time at Santiago Bernabeu.
As mentioned earlier, Endrick can already speak Portuguese, which should go a long way in helping him team up with fellow Brazilians Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.
Even Eder Militao can speak Portuguese, which should make it easier for Endrick to adapt to life in Spain, at least for the next year or so.
