Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s dream lineup for 2024 comprising an all-Brazil frontline – report
With several of the regulars in the Real Madrid setup entering the final phase of their careers, Los Blancos have already begun to build for the future.
To that end, the reigning champions of Spain and Europe are close to landing the first piece of the puzzle in the form of Endrick. Just 16 years of age, the Palmeiras wonderkid is set to sign for Real Madrid imminently, although he will join the club in 2024, only after he turns 18.
The teenage striker is seen as the future No. 9 for Real Madrid, who will need to move on from current captain Karim Benzema, who is set to turn 35 years old in a few days.
And, according to AS, the Merengues are visualizing a frontline comprising Endrick as the centre-forward, flanked by fellow Brazilians Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes for 2024.
However, at the same time, the report indicates that despite Endrick’s imminent signing Real Madrid continue to harbour hopes of adding another marquee striker in the form of Erling Haaland.
It had been claimed that Los Blancos had decided against pursuing the Norwegian in the future and bank on Endrick. But in a team like Real Madrid high-level competition is necessary and despite reports suggesting otherwise, Haaland continues to be on the agenda.
Moving to the middle of the park, Real Madrid already have most of the puzzle sorted. Federico Valverde is growing into a leader of the team and will be a permanent fixture in the centre of the park for years to come.
In Aurelien Tchouameni, the Spanish giants have unearthed the ideal anchorman who has ensured Casemiro’s departure has not been felt and they expect him to continue growing in the role for a long time.
While Eduardo Camavinga is also present as an option, Real Madrid hope to add Jude Bellingham to their roster in 2023, as they look to replace Luka Modric in the long run. The 19-year-old England star is bound for greatness and Los Blancos have made him a priority for next year.
As for the defence, the report indicates that Real Madrid expect Vinicius Tobias to replace Dani Carvajal at right-back, suggesting that the club might take up the €18 million purchase option on the Brazilian.
David Alaba, who signed only last year and is contracted until 2026, will likely be moved out to left-back to form a centre-back pairing between Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger, while Thibaut Courtois, still in his prime, will be expected to continue in goal in 2024.
Real Madrid’s planned XI for 2024:
Vinicius • Endrick (Haaland) • Rodrygo
Bellingham • Tchouameni • Valverde
Alaba • Rudiger • Militao • Tobias
Courtois
In what could be a real deal breaker for Real Madrid ahead of their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg clash against Barcelona, it has been revealed that as many as three Barça will be absent from the game while another key player remains a major doubt.
The list includes the likes of Pedri, Ousmane Dembele and Andreas Christensen. The trio is certain to miss the game through respective injuries while a certain Frenkie de Jong is more or less ruled out, as per Javi Miguel.
It must be remembered that Barcelona are heading into the second leg with a 1-0 advantage. But the absence of the aforementioned players means Madrid can work on exploiting the frailties.
Despite the absence of such big names, Barcelona did pretty well against Elche in their previous outing, coming out 4-0 victorious, with the goals coming from Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres.
With options lacking in midfield, Xavi decided to use the likes of Sergi Roberto and Eric Garcia along with Gavi in the heart of the lineup. In any way, they do have Sergio Busquets and Franck Kessie as backups if needed.
The defence, on the other hand, was perfectly guarded by Jordi Alba, Marcos Alonso, Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde.
One can expect Xavi to once again interchange Araujo with Kounde on the right since the Uruguayan has been rather successful in minimizing the threat of Vinicius Jr.
As far as Madrid are concerned, they are sweating over the fitness of three key defenders, namely, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho, and Ferland Mendy. Between these three, the Frenchman is out for about a month while Rudiger and Nacho are expected to be back before the Clasico.
If there are no casualties against Real Valladolid, Madrid will have a perfect midfield and attack, with only Mariano Diaz missing.
