Steve Nicol’s Real Madrid starting XI with Kylian Mbappe 👀 | ESPN FC 

Rodrygo is about to play like crazy next game 😂😂

Even as a Barca fan I find it disrespectful Rodrygo being referred to as "this guy".. dude's absolutely clutch And he doesn't have to leave but if he does all top clubs would want him

I've grown to love Brahim Diaz. What a player

No way they can bench Rodrygo. Play the 4-3-3. Jude can play the 8.

If I am Ancelotti, I would play both of them. Jude can be a midfelder. He done it in Dortmund. So the middle would be be Jude, Tchou, and Valverde... Vini, Rodrygo and Mbappe in front.

Ancelotti will play 433 because apart from Rodrigo there's also Brahim dias and endrick. Play 433 and you give good playing time to all of them.

From managing Everton to managing 3 of the best 5 players in the world - life of Don Carlo Ancelotti.

I like how Don says Mbappe creates chances for himself glad someone notices

Mbappe won't play on the right side and Vinicius can't play there. A change of formation is more likely. It is a rare sight to see Vinicius or Mbappe in the defensive third. They need a third forward to cover Carvajal and that's what Rodrygo does. Three attackers is more likely to happen. The current formation is because of necessity. If Mbappe comes there is no need for Bellingham to score all the goals.

Ancelloti is the most flexible manager out there. Perfect man for the job. Watch this attacking 433 next season.

I don’t understand why no is talking about 4-2-3-1. Jude as a 10, Vini and Rodrygo on the wings, and Mpappe at center forward. DMs can be Tchoumeni / valverde.

4-2-3-1 with Jude keeping his #10 role, and Rodrygo keeping his RW role.

As a Barca fan, Madrid with K.Mbappe and A.Davies is looking...!!!

A 4-3-3 sounds good on paper, but you then lose a presence in the midfield which means you also lose a presence in defence considering the work that the likes of Bellingham and Valverde put in back there....speaking of which, those two in particular would also have to be more conservative with their defence breaking forward runs as the midfield could be left short if they're not careful and therefore would be open to counter attacks, hence why Modric, Kroos and Casemiro didn't used to get involved with the goals all that often during their time in a 4-3-3 setup and typically hung around behind the forwards, venturing no further than the edge of the opponents box where they could occasionally take a few shots from range

With Vini, Mbappe and Rodrygo front 3 we won’t need Jude to score goals. He can play a normal midfield role which he is actually good at as well.

The disrespect against Rodrygo He will not be bench or leave. Vini mbappe and rodrygo front 3 BBC 2.0

Personally, I would go for the the 4-2-3-1 Formation. Mbappe will certainly be the lone striker , supported by Vini at the left, Jude in the middle and Rodrygo at the right. Valverde will be in he midfield but would be instructed to support the attackers up top of the need be, Tchouaméni will continue to serve at the amazing DM he has been. I think Madrid won't struggle when we play like this also having Camavinga,Arda,Diaz and Endrick as backup is going to be amazing....I can't wait for next season. I also hope we could get Jeremy Frimpong as our RB and for the LB either Theo or Alfonso will do just fine......

I think Carlo and maybe Zidane are the only two people who can manage a squad this loaded and actually keep them all happy, pep has a similarly loaded squad but they are never all happy.

Mbappe is the missing piece after benzema gone. The 433 formation is the best formation to play with Mbappee's role as the main goal getter

Love how everyone forgets about arda and endrick

I think this makes Madrid very fluid in there formation and lineups week to week.

Mbappe will give the team more flexibility because he can play as a CF on the left or on the right.

Look at the minutes of Joselu. Everybody will get gis minutes. Ancelotti is crafting a legendary team with a dynamic formation. On this level rolation and proper sub strategy is the way for dominating.

I'm surprised Brahim isn't even in the conversation despite his amazing output this season

Tchouameni needs to start to balance the midfield and help the back line Fede & Cama will start beside him. 442 is the best formation to utilize jude. Rodrygo is the odd man out unfortunately. He will play but not start unless it’s for a rotation. Just think for next year coming off the bench in attack is Rodrygo, Diaz, Guler, Endrick, Joselu 🔥🔥🔥

Endrick is coming as well 😂 stacked team

The 433 will be the format that we play most matches our east squad b matches and 4312 or 4222 will be what we do when we want more central attacking. The thing is we are going to be very left side dependent but the players that can figure out how to unlock an attack on the right side will be invaluable in our squad. Vini, mbappe, Jude and rodrygo will be like the cr7 and Benz on the left side. Benz was not a traditional 9. He was like Henry and styled himself after R9 at the beginning of his career. He came and attacked from the left and opened it up for cr7 to come inside and attack the goal. Vini has been working on coming inside and playing centrally. Mbappe is so reminiscent of Henry is scary. Brahim is amazing on the right and so is Arda apparently. Right now, this year Modric will probably leave allowing for camavinga to play more and keeping kroos, having less competition in the midfield is a good thing for us. Next year will be about who can seize the thrones in the attack because outside of vini those are completely open.

First of all Real Madrid doesn't have a standard 11. The team is setup on a situational basis depending on the opponent

He trippin we ain’t selling rodrygo we MADRID

The English bias never stops. As a madrid fan, you can never bench Rodrygo! Man has been clutch in crucial moments, especially in the UCL. I agree Vini-Mbappe-Rodygo's front trio will restrict Jude's goal scoring abilities but you shouldn't forget he is a No.10 and can play as No.8. Last season, Valverde played as an inverted winger, still banged nearly 20G/A. But this season he has been a backbone in the Madrid's midfield. He has been more important than ever! You cannot score goals but still be important for the team. Jude has a lot of years and potential to rule the madrid midfield. As a madrid fan, as long as Madrid is Winning games and trophies with that front 3, i am not bothered whether Jude is scoring or not. Vini-Mbappe-Rodrygo can replicate BBC's success at Real Madrid but for that you need a strong midline like Valverde,Jude, Tchouameni and Cama! Goals will come! But it shouldn't bother you, from where they are coming from! Vini-Mbappe-Rodrygo Jude-Tchouameni-Valverde Davies-Militao-Rudiger/Alaba- Carvajal Courtois. Bench- Cama, Ceballos, Brahim, Guler, Garcia, Lunin, Endrick etc.

I think the best answer is to have rotational starters. I only see 6 positions out of the 11 locked in. Vini, Mbappe, Bellingham, Rudifger, Militao, Courtois. Everybody else has to fight and it seems unfair but thats how it is when you have a team that could possibly slap a continent around for 5+ years. Preaseason this summer is really gonna help us understand where the players will be in the lineup hierarchy.

They can still play 4-3-3 but the problem is, he has got to play Vavelde, Kroos, Bellingham(on top of triangle). Or perhaps Kroos sits for Cama or Tchoumeni whenever you need energy in the midfield. It’s tough.

People think madrid has not think about this for a long time and sure they have a solution.

433 will take even more pressure off of Jude and he won't have to be relied on as much to score when the full attack potential is there.

The issue is if we play 433 the center forward upfront, would either have to drop back a lot to liknk plays or the central midfielder will have to push up a lot to facilitate plays and keep possession in the final third, it will look more like a 4213 or a 4 312 on atttack. As long as they let mbappe play on the left he can roam with junior, rodrygo is a great player, very unselfish and rarely makes mistakes he hasnt hit is prime yet. Hes a super prospect. He reminds me of a isco and asensio

Handling madrids dressing room could be a very big task next season Because can you imagine 3 players(mbappe,Jude ,vini)from the same team all trying to win the balon dor. I just feel that at some point one of these players would like to move to a team in which he ll be the main focal point just like what Neymar did to Barca

Even if this is the formation rodrygo arda endrik will play they play 3 competitions injuries happen

Why is Rodrygo always disrespected smh he is extraordinary

4-3-3 LB Alphonso Davies - CB Alaba - CB Militao - RB Camavinga (He can push up high and also move into CDM but more towards the left.) CDM Tchouameni - CM Belllingham - CM Valverde LW Vinicius Jr - ST Mbappe - RW Rodrygo You can then have kroos start in some games, even Camavinga start of in mid, bring Modric in from subs,for sake of rotation of players. Like the possibilities are endless because Vini can even rest and have endrick, we could even see Guller coming on for Rodygo Just my thoughts

With such pacey players we don't need 4-3-3 can easily play 3-5-2 Vini and Mbabu up front Davies(LWB), Cama(can cover for Davies in left) , Belligol(AM), Fede(CM), Rodrygo(RWB) If want to play defensive then sub Aurelian for rodrygo and put fede in right Alaba/Nacho, Mili/Aurelian, Rudiger This is the best attacking setup. Why would you play Davies as a back 4. He clearly can play as LM or Lwb(most optimum)

4-3-3. Vini, Mbappe, rodrygo. Jude at cam. Fede and tchou at cm. Normal back line

If I'm Carlo , I will change to three central defence. With Carmavinga in the Midlle field covering for the left side. Rudiger Militao/Alaba and Carvajal. Midfielders: Tchoumeni/Kroos, Valverde Camavinga and Jude. Then Vini, Rodrigo and Mbappe l. In this formation Jude will have lots of freedom. It will be lit.

Carlo needs to utilize his squad. Madrid should really need to win a treble now with so much squad depth. No excuses to losing in any cup game with squad tiring anymore.

Starting formation: 4231 Starting/Bench: Courtois (Lunin): Mendy/Rudiger/Alaba/carvajal. (Militao) Kroos/Camavinga (Touchi) Bellingham/Vini Valverde (Rodyrgo, Guler, Diaz) Mbappe (Endrick) I think this team has too many players who play attacking mid field, and should off load one. Potentially Rodrygo, who may see role reduction with Mbappe

Mbappe comes, Barca are in serious trouble

What if Kylian goes into the Benzema mode time to time. His goal creating prowess can be a great add-on. Similar to what Karim and Suarez used to do.

I think Real Madrid will play 4-3-3 formation. Belli will play in the attacking midfield. Don’t forget the season is long and the team is prone to injury. Each player will have a good chance to start.

It was 433 when we had benzema, and it was lit, the change of formation was because of benzema leaving, 433 looks good you can alternate the front 3 with Diaz and alternate the midfield with valverde, thcouameni, camavinga and Bellingham, it’s a long season that way everyone stays fresh and also there would be injuries

Is anybody else not actually buying this “announcement” at all after 4 years of similar type “announcements”?

No wonder why Stevie is not coaching any good teams 😅

This is tough, I remember when mpabbe was linked to go to el America. We were wondering too, who gets benched? Rodyrgo do they sell him? Tough decisions to make.

When he said Rodrygo must adjust or go, that’s when I knew he’s anti RMA 😂😂😂

The football world will now have to depend on man city 😂 because they're the only team that can stop madrid from winning everything in Europe for the next ten years

No I would go for 4-3-3 ❤

I prefer 3-4-3 diamond Vini Mbappe Rodrygo Bellingham as 10 Cama and Valverde can also drop as wing back Tchoua as anchor Alaba and Carvajal as wide central Rudiger/Mili as sweeper

I think everyone also forgot about Arda Guler, when he gets fit.

"50/60 million" for Rodrygo 😂 Rodrygo's buy out clause is a billion. I'm sure they'd accept 200m.

All top clubs should start looking at rodrygo, i think hes the one who would probably suffer from this, would love him at arsenal though

People keep forgetting that Endrick is also joining this summer, who plays as a 9.

He doesn’t want to get smoked in England by Haaland 😅

Mbappe needs Real Madrid more then Real Madrid needs him now

I think the formation and the choice of players will be geared toward each opponent on individual basis. If Carlo is playing against an extremely defensive opponent, he will use all 3 up front. If they play Barca or Man City type team, they’ll use more midfielders and keep only Mbappe+Vini in the front

As a football lover I would like to see mbappe at Real Madrid play alongside with Vini

Arsenal Pay £80M for Mbappe as a signing bonus is no problem. £1M per week is only £52M per year. Keep him for 4 years that’s -£288M steal of a deal for the best player in the world! T shirt sales over the next 4 years and the increase revenue to the club will more than cover it! I see no problems with Arsenal entering the race

Wait till PSG wins the UCL, he'll be begging to have his move to madrid revoked😂😂😂😂😂

I think we’ll have enough goals if Vini Mbappe rodrygo plays upfront Jude can play in midfield that’s his actual position but if they needed goals they can change the formation in second half

It will 442 diamond in big macthes 433 against top4 teams and group stages and attacking 4231 against mid table teams. We know carlo adapts all his players

Still next ucl for Madrid will come in 2032

Mbapaypal won't improve Madrid if that's what the corrupt fans are thinking.. He'll drain their money, cause chaos on and off the pitch and tell Papa Perez how to run Madrid 😂

Stevie is right in the sense that playing all 4 together would affect the balance of the team in terms of defence

"Jules only broke the news two and a half weeks ago" Mbappe last summer: "I'm not taking the extra year so this is my last season"

Vini - Mbappe - Rodrygo Jude - Tchoua - Valverde Alphon - Rudiger - Alaba/Nacho - Carva Or Endrick - with any of the front 3 Jude Kroos - Camavina - Modric Not even including likes of Brahimi, arda gul, Stacked! Options! All I see is, win, win, win. Maybe we can finally get that treble. What a bad problem to have as a Madrid fan hahaha

makes sense why Stevie never made it as a manager

They're not benching anyone. They'll go back to their traditional 433. Squad rotation in this team will be crazy

They need to use all 3 and including guler brahim in rotation

Rodrygo is unreal. Soo under appreciated. He needs to be playing RW

This is already becoming a problem… I hope they don’t loan out Rodrygo, he’s a hustler, always hustling for goals and Never complains.. Mbappe will kill d team’s Chemistry. As a Madrista I hope we don’t get him.

Ancelotti always shows fate in rodrygo he is not gonna bench him for no one…watch them play 4-3-3 next season…and Jude is mature enough to adapt to any role so a little further down the pitch won’t really affect him

4-2-3-1 like in Mou times. And with Endrik(if no one lives exept Joselu) you hawe two squads one is exceptional and other is good, and you can rotate players without loosing in quality. First squad will be Kurtois-Carvahal-Rudiger-Militao-Devis-Valverde-Tchouameni-Rodrigo-Jude-Vini-Mbappe the second will be Vasques-Alaba-Nacho-Mendi-Kroos-Camavinga-Modrich(if he goes Seba)-Dias-Endrik-Seballios

honestly the players who are gonna play are the ones with best form

1st 11, depending on the opponent 4-2-3-1: Curtois Mendy/Davies Alaba Militao Carvajal Camavinga Valverde Vini Bellingham Rodrygo Mbappe 4-4-2: Curtois Mendy/Davies Alaba Militao Carvajal Camavinga Tchouameni Valverde Bellingham Vini Mbappe 2nd 11: Lunin Fran Garcia/M. Guttierez Yoro Rudiger Vasquez/Yan Couto Ceballos Nico Paz Kroos Brahim Diaz Guler Endrick

In my opinion real madrid should change the formation to 3-4-3. Centre backs - Mendy, Rudiger and Militao Mid - Camavinga and Tchoumeni as two number 6's, right mid Valverde, Left mid - Alphonso davies Forward - Mbappe - CF, left attacking mid- Jude, Right attacking Mid - Brahim. If Davies not arriving in next season then switch his postion with Cama and move Fede to holding mid with tchou. Carvajal will be playing as right mid.

I disagree completely - I think they’ll all have a role to play. Don Carlo will change the formation according to the team opposite us. There’s a huge play for Rodrygo in the front 3, and Belli in the midfield 3.

Vini-Mbappe-Rodrygo Bellingham Cama-Velverde Mendy-Alaba-Tchouméni-Carvajal Courtois ✌🏻 Give captain band to carvajal.

Vini Mbappe Rodrygo B.Dias Endrick A.Guler Jude Tc'meni Valv Cama Kross Modric Davies Alaba Militao Carvajal Mendy Rudiger Nacho Vasquez Courtois Lunin. We are in major trouble in la liga.

Yea they definitely not benching Rodrygo

Play a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 Formation. Yes you will Concede more goals But you will also Score a lot More. And against Top Teams Play a 4-3-3

Jude should play in a Diamond like now, that is when he's more efficient

All i know is that kroos will start next season as hes the only tempo setter for the squad (very vital)

Front 3 Rodrygo - mbappe - viny From what i see this will be benefical for the whole team. Rodrygo is fire on the left, we saw that when viny injured. Viny can dribble and his speed can be useful on either wing so why not right side (while occasionally switch with rodrygo ) hes good at making low cross on the box as well so right side can still be good for him Mbappe should be center to finish the ball and receive low cross from right side will be beneficial as he can use right feet easier from right side cross. If 442 Then front 2 is mbappe left and viny right. I highly value viny can play either side

Madrid are going to be challenging in all competitions and fairly advanced in knockout competitions there is enough games to go around

No I don't see Carlo dropping Rodrygo.. The formation's 4-3-3 for sure.. Jude's been amazing but expecting him to put up those numbers for the next decade as a midfielder is definitely a tough ask.. All 4 of em will play and it's still gonna be a whole lot of goals in that team💯🤞

The best formation for them is 4-2-1-3 Jude will play as an attacking midfielder at the back mbappe he'll play the central attacking midfielder role. While tchoameni and camavinga will play dmf

I would sell Rodrygo. Could get 80-100m in the summer transfer window and use that on Davies. I’d use the same lineup as stevie but put Davies in at LB. Even if you sell Rodrygo you have Diaz,Guler and Joselu. Those are great potential subs that aren’t at the level to demand being in the starting 11 next yr. Def need to upgrade Mendy with Davies and imo start looking for replacements for Dani (who’s had his better year in 5 seasons) and Nacho. So LB a RB and CB in that order.

I agree with Steve. Mbappe straightway comes in for Rodrygo. It is a long season so Endrick and Rodrygo will come from bench and attack will rotate throughout the season.

As Anchelotti said we’ll keep playing in the dimond formation unless somthing dramatic happens.. and Mbappe joining Madrid is pretty dramatic I feel like.. they will obviously go back to 4-3-3 if Mbappe joins so unfortunaly i think tchoumani will feel it, cause they will play with CAM now they have Bellingham…

How will mbappe do the rodrygo role in 4-4-2 diamond 😅 In this 4-4-2 vini and jude are enhanced So we need to fall to 4-2-3-1 Mbappe ahead with vini jude rodrygo behind him Double pivot of fede and tchouameni Lb mendy cb pair rudiger militao and rb carvajal But if you want cama as well Put fede at rb position amd cama tchoua double pivot Fede always protects his rb so let's just give him that duty completely of becoming the rb Also this will bring the captain's armband to him as he's the most experienced in that 11

4-3-3 Courtois in net (Lunin plays when the #1 is injured or resting) Carvajal - Rudiger - Militao - ??? (Tchouameni and Camavinga can play depending on injuries and stuff) Valverde/Kroos - Bellingham/Guler - Tchouaneni/Camavinga (Guler is definitely the sub unless others are rested) Rodrygo - Mbappe - Vinicius

4-3-3 w a tighter attack like lam n ram w vini n rodygoal w belingol cam

You know we can have this conversation about possible Starting XI’s but let’s face the facts Ancelotti is gonna be like a kid in a candy store with all the possible different formations and personnel shifting he has at his disposal He will find someway to make multiple ways of play work