How Real Madrid could lineup with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Real Madrid have completed the signing of French national team skipper Kylian Mbappe on a free following years of courting. His arrival however coincides with a period the Spanish outfit have unique talent profiles on their squad list.

Mbappe, took up the no. 9 jersey with the preferred one associated with the “KM7” franchise currently taken up by Vinicius Junior. With a very important question being raised on how the Frenchman will fit into the squad, there are much more concerns for the team’s entirety. Here are some of the ways we could see Los Blancos lineup next campaign.

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4-3-3 (Flat)

While Carlo Ancelotti mostly favoured a diamond of four midfielders last season as a result of Jude Bellingham’s arrival, we could see a return to the team’s usual midfield three. Toni Kroos’ departure coupled with Luka Modric’s one year extension puts the midfield in a peculiar state.

Aurelien Tchouameni should expectedly take the anchorman role at the base of midfield flanked either side by Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde was heavy running is too good to pass by. Then a front trio occupied by Brazilian duo Vini and Rodrygo flanking Mbappe.

4-2-3-1

Employing a double pivot would make room for a no. 10 behind the striker. Tchouameni, Camavinga, Modric and Valverde are contenders for the two midfield slots. Jude Bellingham has taken up the CAM role for the Three Lions and could retain it.

However, there’s a case to be made for Turkish youngster in the spot or as part of the attacking contingent at the expense of Rodrygo goes and with the undroppable Mbappe-Vini lethal line.

4-4-2 (mid-block)

With the expanded format of the UEFA Champions League, there is a chance for Los Blancos to face teams of lofty European Pedigree. As such, considering the approach Don Carlo resulted to in knocking out City and Bayern last campaign is not far-fetched.

A defensive base of Camavinga-Tchouameni, Fede Valverde on the right of the midfield to patrol the pitch. One of Rodrygo or Vinicius tucking in to the narrow left while the other takes up a spot in the strike partnership.

4-3-1-2

In this way, Jude Bellingham retains his role at the apex of a midfield diamond in his usual false 9 capacity. While Vinicius, Mbappe and Rodrygo settle for the two wide attacking spots up top.

Sheer pace, quality and transitions on the breakaway to hurt very highlines badly. Many variations to be employed by this Los Blancos side and it is left to see how best they are fielded.

Friendly reminder, Endrick’s arrival is just pending.

Tags: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, Rodrygo, Florentino Perez, Los Blancos, Aurelien Tchouameni, Camavinga, Carlo Ancelotti, #NRTCSPORT