Real Madrid has encountered some challenges at the start of the current season, having struggled in their first eight matches. The team is in dire need of fresh talent in the attacking department, with Kylian Mbappe being the most consistent goal-scoring threat. On the other hand, Vinicius Junior and Yan Diomande are finding it difficult to find the back of the net. Amidst this situation, Rodrygo’s return to the lineup is seen as a critical boost. The Brazilian forward has resumed training sessions on the pitch after recovering from an ACL injury, participating in running drills and ball work. Should he regain full fitness, Rodrygo might slot directly into the starting XI. With Jose Mourinho preferring a 4-2-3-1 formation, here is the most feasible lineup to accommodate both Rodrygo and Mbappe.
Real Madrid’s Starting XI Featuring Rodrygo and Mbappe
In goal, Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed choice between the posts. The Belgian goalkeeper continues to display world-class quality, making crucial saves that have often saved Real Madrid from dropping points.
Moving to the defense, Marc Cucurella is likely to be the top pick for the left-back position, especially considering Alvaro Carreras has not yet shown convincing performances, and Ferland Mendy is still on the road to recovery from injury. In central defense, the partnership of Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate could be relied upon as they begin to forge a solid combination, bringing stability to the backline. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be a better option for the right-back slot compared to Denzel Dumfries. Although Trent has only started once this season, his performances still indicate that he can be a reliable asset.
For the midfield unit, Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde are poised to take on the primary pivot roles. Tchouameni will adopt a more defensive approach, while Valverde will be granted the freedom to contribute offensively. Positioned ahead of them, Jude Bellingham is expected to feature as an attacking midfielder. The Englishman is nearing his top form again, making him indispensable in Mourinho’s tactical setup.
Now, regarding the attacking front, there will be significant changes. Rodrygo is suggested to take the left-wing position, which means Vinicius Junior might need to settle for a spot on the bench. The hope is that Rodrygo can add much-needed productivity in the attacking third. Conversely, Arda Guler has shown consistent performances with solid contributions in terms of goals and assists on the right flank. Kylian Mbappe, despite some scrutiny about his performance, will continue to spearhead the attack, as his sharpness makes him nearly impossible to exclude from the lineup.
This lineup presents Real Madrid with a more balanced composition of speed, creativity, and attacking prowess. If Rodrygo can swiftly return to peak condition, his presence could significantly mitigate the team’s reliance on Mbappe for goals.
Looking Ahead for Real Madrid
In the wake of the international break, Real Madrid is gearing up for their next string of matches. The team’s management remains focused on strengthening the squad and finding the most effective combinations. With a combination of seasoned and emerging talents, they aim to navigate the season’s challenges successfully. As fans eagerly anticipate Rodrygo‘s return and Mbappe’s goal-scoring ability, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the team’s trajectory. The blend of youthful exuberance and veteran experience could be the recipe for success for Real Madrid as they march towards their goals this season.
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