How Carlo Ancelotti plans to use Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham signed for Real Madrid earlier this month for an initial €103m. However, with so many midfield options at Carlo Ancelotti's disposal, the Italian is considering a tactical shakeup to fit the England international into the starting lineup.
By Sean Walsh
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is considering a change of formation to accommodate Jude Bellingham next season.
Bellingham completed his move from Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, with Los Blancos paying an initial €103m in order to sign him.
The England international is still only 19 but brings a wealth of experience and quality to the Spanish capital. There are, however, a few question marks over how he may fit in at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Real Madrid stacked with midfield options.
Luka Modric is expected to follow Toni Kroos' lead in signing a new contract, while French duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni will be after more opportunities in the starting lineup. Fringe player Dani Ceballos put pen to paper on a fresh four-year deal earlier this week.
Federico Valverde has also divided his recent time at Real Madrid between the right wing and in central midfield.
With so many midfielders at his disposal, AS report that Ancelotti is weighing up moving from his usual 4-3-3 to a 4-3-1-2 formation, allowing Bellingham to play as a number ten.
Bellingham scored 14 times in all competitions for Dortmund in his final season at Signal-Iduna Park, proving his worth as a goal threat.
READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAM'S REAL MADRID MOVE
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Ahead of him, Real Madrid are currently planning to use Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo as inverted forwards following Karim Benzema's departure.
Ancelotti wanted to sign a false nine in either Kai Havertz or Harry Kane, but they are unlikely to be able to afford another marquee transfer this summer.
Instead, Real Madrid have accepted that they will have to focus their attentions on the signing of Kylian Mbappe in 2024, with Ancelotti devising this tactical rejig for the coming season to cope without a natural striker.
Los Blancos have brought back veteran centre forward Joselu on an initial loan from Espanyol but he is unlikely to be a regular starter.
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