2 wins, 2 losses. This is Real Madrid’s balance sheet during this pre-season. After two successes against AC Milan (3-2) and Manchester United (2-0), the Merengues have indeed suffered the law of FC Barcelona (0-3) and Juventus Turin (1-3) . A summer tour which also allows Carlo Ancelotti to try out some new tactics on the tactical level. With this in mind, the Italian technician was convinced by a 4-3-1-2 in the last three friendly matches.
With this system, the Mister has thus replaced Vinicius Junior in a position of number 9. Alongside Joselu, new Madrid recruit, or Rodrygo, the Brazilian winger thus discovers a new playing field. moreover in this role that the former Flamengo player found the net against the Old Lady. However, this replacement surprised more than one observer, even pushing Ancelotti to clarify things at a press conference.
Vinicius Junior replaced in 9, a boon for Kylian Mbappé?
Asked about his desire to align the Brazilian star at the forefront, Carletto assured that it was a request from the Brazilian international (23 caps, 3 goals), eager to get out of his comfort zone and to this usual left lane. “I have to do an assessment of that and so does he. The player likes to play a little more indoors. On the side he makes the difference, but inside he can score more goals.first launched Ancelotti before drawing an initial assessment of this repositioning.
“In those friendlies, Vini played very well against Milan and Manchester United. It’s true that he could have had a bit more success against Barcelona, but he had a lot of chances. I don’t know if he had those chances while playing on the side, although he remains the best in this field. It’s pre-season and if we don’t try things now, we won’t be able to do it later.”assured the 64-year-old Italian.
One thing is certain, these tactical tests – which undoubtedly have nothing to do with the possible arrival of Kylian Mbappé – could despite everything facilitate the integration of the Parisian striker. As a reminder, the 2018 world champion had already shown in the past his discomfort with evolving in a position of number 9. After a draw against Reims, last season, where he had not scored, the number 7 of PSG had notably posted a message on his networks with the hashtag pivotgang. An exit quickly igniting the club of the capital. Predicting, or not, Carlo Ancelotti could therefore take a big thorn off his feet by extending the adventure of Vinicius Junior at the forefront of the Madrid attack. It remains to be seen whether this tactical choice will last…
