With Jose Mourinho replacing Alvaro Arbeloa on the coaching bench and the appearance of Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Carlos Espi and Yan Diomande, Real Madrid this season will have many changes.
Under Arbeloa, the Real Madrid squad was constantly shuffled in the final stage of the season. They finished 8 points behind Barcelona in La Liga and lost the last chance to avoid a white-handed season after a 0-2 defeat to the opponent at Camp Nou on May 10.
Based on what was shown in the pre-season period, Mourinho is likely to use a 4-2-3-1 formation with two central midfielders and Jude Bellingham playing right behind the striker. This is a significant change compared to the familiar 4-3-3 system before.
Attack line
Kylian Mbappe is in the center forward position, Bellingham plays as an attacking midfielder and Vinicius Junior on the left wing is almost certain. The big question mark lies on the right flank.
Mourinho can give this position to Yan Diomande, a contract worth more than 125 million Euros, or use Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler to increase ball control.
If Diomande starts, Real Madrid will have more speed and penetration ability. Conversely, Bernardo or Guler will help Los Blancos keep the ball better and create more coordination options.
Federico Valverde is also an option, but Real Madrid's new captain is likely still to be placed in the midfield area.
The appearance of Diomande may also open up more space for Dumfries on the right wing. The strong attacking ability of the Ivory Coast newcomer requires the defender behind to ensure defensive support ability.
Middle line
In the two central midfielders formation, Aurelien Tchouameni is likely to play an important role. After Real Madrid failed in their efforts to recruit Rodri, the French international is expected to become a pillar of the midfield.
Valverde, Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and young talent Thiago Pitarch are the remaining options. In terms of tackling ability, movement and squad balance, Valverde is likely to be prioritized to play alongside Tchouameni.
However, Bernardo Silva will be a suitable choice in matches where Real Madrid controls the ball overwhelmingly. The Portuguese player's ability to put the ball forward and tactical vision can help the midfield operate more flexibly.
Guler is also a worth considering option. The Turkish international is considered a backup option for Bellingham but was used in a lower position. If Mourinho wants Real Madrid to play more offensively, Guler may be given a chance.
Pitarch is also highly appreciated for its energy and wide operating capabilities, thereby becoming a noteworthy rotation option.
Defense
Real Madrid's defense also has significant changes. Cucurella is likely to occupy the left-back position, while Alvaro Carreras is a backup option. Ferland Mendy, who often has physical problems, will play a secondary role.
In the center of defense, Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rudiger are expected to start. Real Madrid is still waiting for the appearance of Konate and the return of Eder Militao to increase depth. At that time, Raul Asencio may have to drop to the reserve position.
On the right wing, Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold will compete for a starting position. Dumfries is more suitable for matches that require defense and tackling ability, while Alexander-Arnold has an advantage thanks to his passing ability and playing organization.
In general, Mourinho owns a Real Madrid with more options, but also faces a not small problem. That is finding the most suitable system to connect expensive new players with stars who are already familiar with the old operating method.
