Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star midfield duo seen as pivotal in Ancelotti’s new system – report
Real Madrid have recently turned over to a new formation, with manager Carlo Ancelotti opting for a 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond.
This switch in tactics, from the traditional 4-3-3, has been brought about by the manager’s rich resources in the middle of the park and a lack of quality depth in the frontline.
So far, things have worked well, with Los Blancos winning their opening game of the season 2-0, courtesy of goals from Rodrygo Goes and new signing Jude Bellingham.
There were some defensive issues with the new system during pre-season, but Ancelotti & co. are understood to be happy with how things went against Athletic Club.
And, the manager is expected to continue fine-tuning the system with a few more tweaks so as to achieve maximum efficiency at both ends of the pitch.
Valverde, Camavinga crucial for the new system
Now, MARCA is reporting that for the new system to work efficiently, the role of the two midfielders, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, will be extremely important.
The Frenchman and the Uruguayan were preferred in the interior midfield roles by Ancelotti against Athletic Club over the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
And that is unlikely to change in the coming games as Ancelotti wants players who can cover every blade of the grass on the pitch in those positions, which is why Valverde and Camavinga are set to be critical to the team in the new formation.
Valverde is known for his work rate and energy and Camavinga also excels in such a role, making them pretty much undisputed starters in Ancelotti’s system going forward.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni appear to have locked in on the starting positions at the tip and the base of the midfield diamond after impressing in pre-season and the opening fixture.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
