The big news coming out of Spain, as Real Madrid prepares for their August 14 European Super Cup clash against Atalanta, is that head coach Carlo Ancelotti still hasn't made up his mind on an attacking trio. As much buzz as there has been with Kylian Mbappe's joining the team on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, stories from SPORT and Mundo Deportivo reveal the uncertainty.
The Attacking Trident Dilemma
Last year, Ancelotti was the first to achieve what none had with Real Madrid: a treble with La Liga, Champions League, and Spanish Super Cup. In his most used tactic, he had wingers Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo as his strikers. Now, how can Mbappe fit in—whose signing complicated the issue of the lineup?
** Prediction by SPORT: The trio Mbappé-Vinicius-Rodrygo
Per SPORT, Ancelotti is ready to begin the campaign with an attacking trident of Vinicius, Mbappe, and Rodrygo. It means that, in attack, Mbappe will be with Vinicius and Rodrygo, remaining true to a format that already provided a lot of joy last year. Then again, such formation may prove a bit complicated regarding how the whole structure of the team is balanced and whether the roles are well defined for all essential players.
** Alternative from Mundo Deportivo: Bellingham at the Core
In contrast to this, Mundo Deportivo runs a different angle. They claim that Ancelotti will field Mbappe in a three-man attack alongside Jude Bellingham and Vinicius. That would see Bellingham advanced and fluid, able to interplay with both Mbappe and Vinicius. Last term, for his part, Bellingham was outstanding in such a free role, ending the season as his team's second-top scorer and missing Spain's golden boot, the 'Pichichi', by just a goal.
Bellingham's Potential Versatility in Bellingham
With the recent exit of Toni Kroos from the team, central playmaking roles may be fitting for Bellingham; he might well feature alongside Arda Guler or the captain, Luka Modrić. Good performances from Guler during the preseason tour in America further confirm that he might be able to turn into an important player in the midfield. Meanwhile, captain Luka Modrić will offer experience and creativity in the middle of the field.
The other challenge facing Ancelotti at the moment is keeping to one's words. He had earlier promised to field most players who made significant contributions to the Champions League win. This statement, that may have earned some commitment, might just go against Mbappe making the starting lineup.
Conclusion
But the final call on the attacking trident is yet to be made as Real Madrid prepares for the European Super Cup. Ancelotti has to see how he fits Mbappe in the team as it retains the balance and remains potent. Either Vinicius-Mbappe-Rodrygo or a more advanced Bellingham alongside Mbappe and Vinicius, whatever the manager chooses, the attacking strategy of Real Madrid is going to be scrutinized and expected by all.
Much more updates are yet to come, nearing the match day, to see how Ancelotti's decisions will shape Real Madrid into claiming another trophy.
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