Real Madrid News
Ancelotti’s pecking order for the centre-back positions for 2023/24 – report
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to take some difficult decisions at centre-back over the past season. With four quality options on his hands, it has indeed been difficult for the manager to balance their playing time.
MARCA brings out the Italian tactician’s pecking order in central defence as it stands and, in the process, names the duo who are best placed to start for Real Madrid.
The two top options
As revealed by the Spanish outlet, Eder Militao is the one Ancelotti trusts the most. The young Brazilian will be a guaranteed starter for Los Blancos in the coming campaign and will look to maintain his high level from last season.
The 25-year-old oversaw 10 clean sheets for the Merengues in the 2022-23 campaign and averaged over 10 defensive actions per game. He was arguably the team’s best-performing defender.
He will likely pair with David Alaba, who is second on Ancelotti’s pecking order. The 31-year-old’s position, however, is more labile than Militao’s.
Two quality backup options
Antonio Rudiger sits next on the manager’s preference list and will likely serve a dual role next season. While the German will be the first-choice backup for the Alaba-Militao duo, he will also serve as a regular rotating option to replace the Austrian defender.
The lowest ranked on Ancelotti’s pecking order is Nacho Fernandez. The Spanish defender and club captain recently renewed his deal with the Galacticos but will likely not see much action in central defence.
The rest of the defensive line
Heading into the new season, Fran Garcia appears set to take over as Real Madrid’s new starting left-back. He will be backed up by Ferland Mendy whose form and injury record have been poor in recent times.
The right-back department is more closely contested. Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez make strong cases to claim the spot in Ancelotti’s XI, but Carvajal is expected to remain the higher placed on the pecking order.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
Funso Fakulujo
August 8, 2023 at 3:57 pm
Militao is also inconsistent. He needs to grow up and stop being casual as if he is playing school boy football.