Real Madrid have added another versatile youngster to their star-studded midfield line.
Real Madrid completed a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham on Wednesday. Despite interest from a host of top clubs, the Blancos were quick in striking a deal for their next midfield star.
Let’s take a look at the three possible positions for Bellingham at Real Madrid.
1- Creating a new midfield duo
The trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro was the backbone of Real Madrid’s lineup before the latter joined Manchester United last summer.
Since then, Carlo Ancelotti has used both Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga as holding midfielders. But the French pair hasn’t been able to limit the key role of Kroos and Modric.
This dynamic, however, could change with the arrival of Bellingham. Ancelotti could try to form a double pivot, with the England international being able to shape a solid partnership with another one of Real Madrid’s defensive midfielders.
The pair of Bellingham and Kroos/ Camavinga/ Tchouameni could tempt Ancelotti to use a 4-4-2 system, possibly moving Federico Valverde to the right-wing position.
2- A new Casemiro?
After Casemiro’s exit, Ancelotti used both Camavinga and Tchouameni in defensive midfield roles. Both players have exceptional defensive skills, but neither has developed into Casemiro’s successor.
Most observers expect Bellingham to continue his career as a box-to-box midfielder. But the Englishman’s incredible pressing skills could entice Ancelotti to test him as his side’s new No.6.
3- Replacing Modric
Bellingham made a host of brilliant performances for Dortmund when playing as their No.8 last season. This will put the 19-year-old in direct competition with Kroos for minutes.
However, Ancelotti could expect the newcomer to take on a different role in his squad. Modric’s commanding presence in Real Madrid’s midfield and his unmatched tactical versatility is something that Bellingham has already shown glances of at Dortmund.
The England midfielder is at his best when he’s given enough space to roam freely between defensive and attacking midfield positions. This could lead to Bellingham becoming Real Madrid’ new No.10. But it could also mean that he can play in different formations alongside Kroos, Valverde, Camavinga, and Tchouameni.
One possibility is keeping the central-midfield duo of Modric and Camavinga, with Bellingham playing in front of them. Another one is to use the England international in a supporting role alongside Valverde and Kroos, capitalizing on his exceptional qualities as a box-to-box midfielder.
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