Real Madrid News
Three changes Carlo Ancelotti could make to the starting XI for Real Madrid vs Elche
After their dominant win over Barcelona in El Clasico, Real Madrid return to league action against Elche tomorrow. The European Champions are on top of the La Liga standings, three points clear of the second-placed team and will look to put pressure on Xavi’s side with a win on Wednesday.
Carlo Ancelotti deployed a full-strength team to take on the Catalans but will shuffle his cards given the tight schedule. Here are three changes the manager can make for tomorrow’s clash.
1. Antonio Rudiger for David Alaba
Despite receiving 20 stitches after suffering a horrific injury in Real Madrid’s game against Shakhtar Donetsk, Rudiger came off the bench in El Clasico and produced a solid cameo.
The German international is a true warrior and will be desperate to get another start after a string of promising performances. He could come in for David Alaba against Elche as Ancelotti would like to have the Austrian rested, given the crucial fixture against Sevilla looming large.
2. Eduardo Camavinga for Luka Modric
Eduardo Camavinga finished second in the run for the Kopa Trophy last night but has been far from his best this season. The Frenchman would like more minutes under his belt to regain continuity and match fitness, and that opportunity could come tomorrow night.
It is clear that Modric will have to be rested more regularly this season, given his age. Having started in the Clasico less than three days ago, the Croatian could make way for Camavinga on the night.
3. Rodrygo Goes for Federico Valverde
Rodrygo and Federico Valverde have arguably been Real Madrid’s two biggest revelations this season. However, there is only space for one of the two in the forward line, as Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr are undisputed starters.
Both players scored against Barcelona at the weekend en route the team’s 3-1 win. However, given that the Uruguayan started in the previous game, he will likely make way for Rodrygo against Elche.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana (h/t Madrid Zone), Real Madrid have two objectives for the upcoming summer transfer window. The centre-forward and the right-wing position are seen as the two positions to be reinforced but no decision has been made yet about making a move.
This comes over and above the Merengues’ pre-existing need for new midfielders and full-backs in the coming windows.
At first sight, it may appear that Los Blancos are well stacked in the final third. In Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema and Rodrygo Goes, they have three starting quality players who are well-complemented by the likes of Marco Asensio and Federico Valverde.
Yet, Vinicius is the only player on the aforementioned list who can boast of a starting role in a fixed position for at least the next decade.
There is worry over the centre-forward role considering Benzema’s lack of form and fitness throughout the current campaign. With the Ballon d’Or winner already 35, the club need a young reinforcement soon which is evident with the team’s struggle for goals this term.
Los Blancos have already invested heavily in Endrick in this regard. However, that has not stopped them from following established options like Dusan Vlahovic and Erling Haaland as their Brazilian wonderkid will not arrive until 2024.
The right wing is also understaffed despite the presence of young Rodrygo and Fede Valverde. The duo have no dearth of talent but have not managed to click on the wing as well as the manager would have liked.
Thus, it remains to be seen as to who the club targets to strengthen the wing and aim to stretch the play. Given the heavy investment planned for Jude Bellingham, a low-cost option is likely to be considered.
