Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti set to use young forward as ‘game-changer’ for Man City vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti decided to give his attacking trio a much-needed rest ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg clash. As a result, Federico Valverde, Marco Asensio, and Eden Hazard were named in the starting XI during the 1-0 win over Getafe.
Madrid were explosive against City in the first leg but it is understood that Ancelotti wanted more from his players. In that regard, Miguel Angel Lara writes for MARCA that the Italian believes his team lacked an ultimate game-changer during the outing.
This means come the second leg, the manager might as well shake his attacking unit, as a result of which, a certain Rodrygo could be sacrificed.
The idea here is to solidify the defense, and if recent reports are to be believed, the manager will deploy a 4-4-2 counter-attacking approach against the Cityzens. With a narrow four-man midfield, the Italian wants to stop City’s passing passage.
If that is the case, Rodrygo will be dropped to the bench, and the midfield will consist of the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Federico Valverde.
On the other hand, Eduardo Camavinga could also come in place of Tchouameni. Eventually, Vinicius Jr will partner up with Karim Benzema upfront.
Now, Camavinga was exceptional against Man City in the first leg and while everyone would ideally want him to play as a left-back once again, the fact remains that David Alaba, a natural left-back, is available for selection.
If Alaba comes in, Eder Militao might feature alongside Antonio Rudiger in the center of the defense, as the former Chelsea man was simply exceptional against Erling Haaland in the first leg.
As for Rodrygo, his exclusion from the starting XI will be a part of Ancelotti’s tactical prowess.
The Italian understands that playing against City at their turf will be tricky, and considering their style of play, the team will want to close the narrow channels in order to disrupt the passage of their play. In that sense, Valverde would be a perfect fit.
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
Mandla
May 16, 2023 at 10:15 am
That’s excellent planning and good technical switch. Halala Madrid halala.