Real Madrid’s best lineup next season with Kroos retiring, Mbappe and Endrick joining as Ancellotti set to unleash powerful tactics for next season
As the curtain closes on another La Liga season, Real Madrid is gearing up for a transformative summer that promises to reshape the club’s future. With Toni Kroos announcing his retirement, and the anticipated arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, manager Carlo Ancelotti is poised to orchestrate a formidable lineup. This article explores how these changes will impact Real Madrid’s lineup and the tactical shifts Ancelotti might employ.
The End of an Era: Kroos Retires
Toni Kroos, a midfield maestro and pivotal figure in Real Madrid’s successes over the past decade, has decided to hang up his boots. His retirement leaves a significant void in the team’s midfield, where his vision, passing accuracy, and experience have been invaluable. Replacing Kroos’s influence on the pitch will be a challenge, but it also opens up opportunities for fresh talent to step up.
The New Arrivals: Mbappe and Endrick
The signing of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain is arguably the most high-profile transfer of the summer. The French forward brings blistering pace, clinical finishing, and an undeniable star quality to Madrid. His arrival is expected to reignite the Galáctico era, offering a fresh attacking dimension.
Endrick, the Brazilian wonderkid, is another exciting addition. At just 17, he has already shown immense promise, and his potential integration into the first team will be closely watched. While he may not be a regular starter immediately, his presence adds depth and a future superstar to Real Madrid’s ranks.
Carlo Ancelotti, renowned for his tactical flexibility and ability to manage star-studded squads, will need to adapt his strategies to maximize the strengths of his new lineup. Here’s a potential starting XI for next season:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Courtois remains a pillar at the back. His shot-stopping abilities and command of the penalty area provide a solid foundation.
Defense: Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy
Ancelotti will likely continue with a back four, leveraging Carvajal’s experience and Militão’s growing reputation as a top-tier center-back. Alaba’s versatility and Mendy’s dynamism on the left will complete a robust defensive line.
Midfield: Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric
In Kroos’s absence, Valverde and Camavinga are expected to take on more significant roles. Valverde’s box-to-box capabilities and Camavinga’s defensive prowess and passing range will complement the evergreen Luka Modric, whose creativity and leadership remain vital.
Attack: Vinícius Júnior, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe
The attacking trio will be a nightmare for defenses. Vinícius’s dribbling skills and pace, Benzema’s intelligence and finishing, and Mbappe’s all-around attacking threat create a potent combination capable of breaking down any opposition.
Ancelotti might opt for a 4-3-3 formation, allowing for fluid transitions between defense and attack. This setup benefits from the pace on the wings and the technical ability in the midfield. With Mbappe and Vinícius stretching defenses and Benzema linking play, Real Madrid can exploit spaces and create numerous scoring opportunities.
Alternatively, a 4-2-3-1 formation could be employed, with Modric and Camavinga or Valverde anchoring the midfield, providing a solid base for the attacking quartet. This approach offers more defensive stability while maintaining offensive prowess.
Beyond the starting XI, Real Madrid’s bench will feature exciting talents like Rodrygo, Marco Asensio, and Endrick. These players provide Ancelotti with options to rotate and adapt to various tactical scenarios. The blend of experienced stalwarts and emerging stars positions Real Madrid well for both domestic and European challenges.
The upcoming season promises to be a thrilling chapter in Real Madrid’s storied history. With Kroos retiring, the infusion of Mbappe and Endrick’s talents, and Ancelotti’s tactical acumen, Los Blancos are set to unleash a powerful and dynamic lineup. Fans can expect a blend of exhilarating attacking football and solid defensive performances as Real Madrid aims to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of European football.