Real Madrid currently boast one of the best squads across Europe and they look poised to continue their domestic and European dominance after adding Kylian Mbappe and exciting Brazilian teenager Endrick to their ranks.
The Spanish giants are also said to be interested in Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies, however, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to get the Bavarians to do business this summer.
Soccernet.football takes a look at how Carlo Ancelloti could line up his side if the European champions manage to acquire all their summer transfer targets.
Thibaut Courtois (GK)
Real Madrid had to make do without the Belgian shot-stopper for the majority of last season after he was sidelined with a nasty ACL injury with the likes of Kepa Arizzabalaga and Andriy Lunin stepping up in his absence. However, with the 31-year-old back to full fitness, we expect him to take back his place as Los Blancos’ first choice goalkeeper.
Dani Carvajal (RB)
One of the most experienced players in the Real Madrid squad, Carvajal was one of Los Blancos’ standout performers as they cruised to a continental double last season. The 32-year-old was also massive for Spain as they strolled to the Euro 2024 final where they beat England. As a result, we expect him to keep his spot as Real’s starting right-back for the coming season.
Eder Militao (CB)
Another injury casualty from last season, Militao missed virtually all of last season as he nursed a knee injury, only making his comeback at the tail end of the season. However, the 26-year-old defender was one of Brazil’s most impressive players in a disappointing Copa America campaign and he will certainly be raring to go when the 2024/2025 campaign kicks off.
Antonio Rudiger (CB)
Since his arrival at the Spanish capital, the German defender has been one of Real’s most important players and is easily one of the first names on Ancelloti’s starting XI. Rudiger was Los Blancos’ most available defender last season and he played a huge role in keeping things solid at the back for Ancelloti’s men. In the coming season, the German is sure to play a major role for the European champions.
Alphonso Davies (LB)
Real’s interest in the Canada international is public knowledge, with several outlets also reporting that the player himself only wants a move to the Spanish capital if he is to leave Bayern Munich. With just one year left on Davies’ contract, Bayern need to cash in on the player this summer, else they may risk losing him for free in the summer of 2025.
Aurelien Tchouameni (DM)
Tchouameni was deployed at central defense last season due to a shortage of options at the back for Real Madrid as a result of injuries. While he appeared to be solid in the role, it is no secret that the Frenchman best shines at the base of midfield. With the retirement of Toni Kroos, we expect to see the 24-year-old take his place as the new anchor of Real’s midfield.
Federico Velverde (CM)
Velverde’s youth, agility and versatility just tips the scales in his favour ahead of new club captain and veteran midfielder Luka Modric in this lineup. The 25-year-old Uruguayan racked up more minutes than any other player in the squad last season which makes it difficult to see Ancelloti lining up without him in the coming season, especially after his impressive displays at the Copa America.
Jude Bellingham (CAM)
The 20-year-old sensation had a spectacular debut campaign in the Spanish capital, adapting to life in La Liga with absolute ease as bagged over 20 goals and assists for Los Blancos. Although Bellingham wasn’t at his majestic best at the European Championships in Germany, he still turned up with two crucial goals for England. Real Madrid fans will certainly be looking forward to seeing more of the Englishman in the coming season.
Rodrygo (RW)
Despite rumors of a potential exit for the 23-year-old winger following the arrival of Mbappe and Endrick, he has reiterated that he’s only focused on Madrid and that he’s ready to fight for his place in the team. Rodrygo was a crucial part of Ancelloti’s setup last term and it’s difficult to see the Brazilian being left out of the team after his impact in the 2023/2024 season.
Vinícius Junior (LW)
The Brazilian enjoyed sublime form in the second half of the 2023/2024 campaign after enduring an injury setback early on. After a mixed run of form at the Copa America, Vinícius will be looking to get back to his mesmerizing best before the new season commences. The arrival of Mbappe should massively relieve the Brazilian’s burden upfront and enable him to thrive at his creative best.
Kylian Mbappe (CF)
Real Madrid announced the arrival of the Frenchman in Ronaldo-esque fashion with a full Santiago Bernabeu in attendance. There’s been some debate about how Mbappe will fit into Ancelotti’s system, as the 25-year-old can play anywhere across the forward line. Taking Real’s current lack of striker options into consideration, we are most likely to see him deployed in a central role.