Real Madrid’s Starting XI Taking Shape for Opener Amid Tactical Shifts

Injury Absences and Tactical Adjustments Set Tone for Opening Fixture

Real Madrid’s preparations for their season opener against Athletic Club on Saturday are well underway, and Carlo Ancelotti’s starting lineup is beginning to crystallize, bearing intriguing insights into tactical choices and player dynamics.

With Arda Guler, Dani Ceballos, and Ferland Mendy likely to be absent, Ancelotti’s options have shifted. While Real Madrid has previously fielded Nacho Fernandez, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba at left-back, the absence of Mendy opens the door for new signing Fran Garcia to make his debut with a starting role at San Mames, according to MD.

A notable inclusion, as per Marca, is Aurelien Tchouameni. The French midfielder had faced challenges last season due to injuries and a dip in form, but his resurgence during the preseason has caught attention. Regarded as a pivotal element in shoring up Real Madrid’s defense, Tchouameni’s ability to adapt while pressing and his capacity to step up when required are seen as assets to rectify the team’s defensive shape, a noted issue during the preseason.

Conversely, Fede Valverde has encountered challenges since his return and faces heightened competition in the midfield. With Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham likely occupying spots in the starting lineup as part of a new formation, and Bellingham being positioned as a number 10, the remaining midfield slot is up for grabs between Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

As Real Madrid navigates through these intriguing dynamics, the footballing world awaits the unveiling of their opening lineup and the tactical choices that Ancelotti will make to set the tone for the new season.