Just as Kylian Mbappe was finding his Real Madrid rhythm, he has suffered an injury setback.
The world was starting to get used to seeing the iconic Frenchman draped in that famous all-white kit, but he is set to miss the next three weeks after sustaining a leg injury.
The reigning European and Spanish champions’ performances have come in for criticism early this season, with Mbappe’s arrival often pointed to as the catalyst for unbalance in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI.
But without Mbappe – one of only two natural centre forward options in the first team – how will Madrid line up?
Here are three different systems they should trial.
Endrick gets a run
If Ancelotti wants to continue playing the same way, then he will almost certainly throw in Endrick for this upcoming run of games without Mbappe, which starts with a trip across town to Atletico on Sunday.
Though still only 18, Endrick has already demonstrated the mentality needed to cope with the pressures of representing Madrid, scoring twice in his seven sporadic appearances for the club thus far.
Leading the line may not spook him, but Atletico will be a stern test of his temperament having controversially avoided a red card in Tuesday’s win against Deportivo Alaves. There isn’t any doubting his football ability, however.
Potential lineup
(4-2-3-1): Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Endrick
Rodrygo’s new role
Often the forgotten star in Madrid’s forward ranks, there is a case for Rodrygo to get the nod centrally and Endrick to move out wide instead.
Hear us out. Endrick, though an excellent finisher, has a penchant for cutting in from the right half space onto his left foot. If he started on the right wing, his game wouldn’t change too much.
Rodrygo, meanwhile, is one of the world’s most intelligent attacking players, popping up all over the place to come up with goals. His movement, in tandem with this tactical switchup, could pose problems for Madrid’s opposition.
Just a thought.
(4-2-3-1): Endrick, Bellingham, Vinicius; Rodrygo
Back to Bellingham
The story goes that Ancelotti wanted to bring in Harry Kane in 2023 when Karim Benzema departed Madrid. However, the club knocked back this request and the Italian had to make do with loanee Joselu as his only striker.
Instead, Ancelotti turned to new signing Jude Bellingham as an advanced midfielder, crashing into the box with wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo playing much narrower. A star was born and a winning formula was found.
It’d be a minor kick in the teeth to Endrick to deploy Bellingham in this role again, but he will get other opportunities in future to impress. If Madrid want to breathe fresh life into their La Liga title defence, then perhaps they should stick to what they know.
(4-3-1-2): Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius
