Carlo Ancelotti gave some clues to his ideal Real Madrid starting XI on the club’s summer tour of the United States.
Unsurprisingly, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Vinícius are set to be regular starters for the Italian in the 2023-24 season. The three talents had the most game time in the US.
Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni could also be set for more time on the pitch than Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who have seen less action but will continue to play important roles on and off the pitch.
Thibaut Courtois is a no-brainer in goal and will be a key part of the starting XI this season. In Madrid’s opening game of the new campaign against Athletic Club this weekend, Ancelotti’s back four is expected to be Dani Carvajal, Eder Militão, David Alaba and Fran García.
García has joined from neighbours Rayo Vallecano, where he excelled for Andoni Iraola, and will get a chance at the Bernabéu due to Ferland Mendy’s latest injury. Nacho and Antonio Rüdiger are likely to start the season on the bench.
In attack, Vinícius and Rodrygo will lead the line for Ancelotti, with recent recruits Joselu and Brahim Díaz waiting for their second-half chances.
The Italian manager played the Brazilian pair as a front two in pre-season and could do more of the same at the start of 2023-24. Los Blancos will be relying on the goals of the deadly duo after the departure of talisman Karim Benzema.
Kieran Quaile | GSFN
