How Will Real Madrid Line Up With Kylian Mbappe In The Squad?

The highly anticipated transfer of Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid finally came to fruition this summer, as the French superstar signed a lucrative 5-year contract with the Spanish giants. After years of speculation, Mbappe has joined up with the reigning Champions League holders, creating excitement among fans about how he will be integrated into Real Madrid's formidable lineup.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti now has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, presenting both challenges and opportunities in terms of finding the optimal configuration. Let's take a closer look at how Real Madrid could line up with Mbappe in the squad.

The Expected Starting XI

The most likely starting lineup sees Mbappe slotting in as the central striker, with Karim Benzema shifting to a more withdrawn, creative role. Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo will provide the width on the flanks, giving Mbappe the freedom to operate in the channels and make runs in behind the defense.

    Carvajal  Militao  Alaba  Mendy 
         Tchouaméni Kroos
    Rodrygo Benzema Vinicius Jr.
             Mbappe

In midfield, the experienced duo of Toni Kroos and new signing Aurélien Tchouaméni will provide the defensive stability and distribution to feed the wealth of attacking talent. The backline of Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, and Mendy remains unchanged, providing a solid foundation.

Alternative Formations

Ancelotti may opt to line up in a 4-4-2 diamond formation to accommodate both Benzema and Mbappe as the two strikers, with Vinicius and Rodrygo as the wide midfielders. This would give both star forwards a more central role but may leave the team more vulnerable defensively.

Another possibility is Ancelotti deploying Mbappe in a wide position, likely on the right, with Benzema retaining the central striker role. This would allow Mbappe to utilize his pace and dribbling ability in one-on-one situations, while Benzema could drop deeper to link up the play.

The Mbappe Factor: A New Dimension to Real Madrid's Attack

Mbappe's arrival adds a new dimension to Real Madrid's attack. His blistering pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for any defense. His presence will undoubtedly force opposing teams to re-evaluate their defensive strategies, as they will need to find ways to contain both Mbappe and Benzema.

Here's how Mbappe's attributes could be leveraged in Real Madrid's attack:

• Pace and Directness: Mbappe's speed and direct running style can stretch defenses, creating space for other players. He can exploit gaps behind the backline, leading to dangerous counter-attacks.
• Dribbling Prowess: His exceptional dribbling skills allow him to beat defenders one-on-one, creating scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates.
• Clinical Finishing: Mbappe is a prolific goal scorer, capable of finding the back of the net from various positions. His finishing ability will be a valuable asset for Real Madrid.
• Creativity: While primarily known for his goalscoring ability, Mbappe also possesses excellent vision and passing skills. He can create scoring chances for his teammates with his clever passes and through balls.

The Tactical Challenge for Ancelotti

Ancelotti faces a tactical challenge in finding the right balance between accommodating Mbappe's strengths and maintaining the team's overall structure. He needs to ensure that Mbappe's integration doesn't disrupt the team's existing attacking rhythm and defensive solidity.

Here are some key considerations for Ancelotti:

• Finding the Right Role: Ancelotti needs to determine the best position for Mbappe, considering his strengths and the team's overall tactical approach.
• Integrating with Benzema: Balancing the roles of Benzema and Mbappe will be crucial. Ancelotti needs to find a way to utilize both players effectively without compromising their individual strengths.
• Maintaining Defensive Solidity: While adding Mbappe enhances Real Madrid's attacking prowess, Ancelotti needs to ensure that the team doesn't become vulnerable defensively.

Conclusion

The arrival of Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid is a game-changer. His exceptional talent and versatility will undoubtedly add a new dimension to the team's attack. Ancelotti faces a challenging but exciting task in integrating Mbappe into the squad and maximizing his impact. With Mbappe's arrival, Real Madrid's attack has the potential to be one of the most devastating in world football.