How Real Madrid could line up with Ronaldo

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 17 Aug 2021 09:08 BST
• 4 min read

Real Madrid have been losing superstars in recent years, rather than purchasing them, and although Kylian Mbappe would reignite their Galactico process, they've declined in recent years.

Both Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane have left this summer, leaving a hole in the backline, while Cristiano Ronaldo obviously left the club for Juventus in 2018. Ronaldo is now into his fourth season in Turin, but with his contract expiring in 2022, rumours have been circulating about his departure.

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Perhaps the most prominent has been linking him with Paris Saint-Germain. The French club reportedly expect Real Madrid to bid for Mbappe, and if a suitable offer comes in, they're willing to sell the forward, with Ronaldo being signed as his replacement.

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However, the middle man could be cut out, as Carlo Ancelotti reportedly wants Real Madrid to re-sign their former star. Ancelotti worked with Ronaldo during his first spell in Madrid, and now is rumoured to want him back at the Santiago Bernabeu.

That is according to Spanish journalist and Ronaldo's close friend Edu Aguirre. Aguirre appeared on El Chiringuito to discuss this news, revealing that Ancelotti is desperate to be reunited with Ronaldo.

Aguirre reportedly went on to say that Ancelotti has been talking to Ronaldo and his representatives for some time now, and is “obsessed” with bringing the player back to the club. The move is also now considered a ‘real possibility'.

This means Ronaldo could well put on the famous white shirt once more, but how would Real Madrid line up if that is the case?

Real Madrid XI with Ronaldo

After a difficult start to life at the club, Thibaut Courtois has since shown why he is one of the best goalkeepers in world football, and will keep his place in the starting XI.

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Dani Carvajal is the first-choice right-back, but his injury struggles mean Alvaro Odriozola or Lucas Vasquez will likely play more than Ancelotti would prefer.

New-signing David Alaba should pair Eder Militao in the centre of defence, with the Brazilian showing signs of improvement towards the end of the last campaign, with Nacho also receiving plenty of game time.

At left-back, Ferland Mendy will keep 33-year-old Marcelo, who has declined significantly in recent years, on the bench.

Casemiro remains key to Los Blancos' midfield, with the experienced Luka Modric and Toni Kroos also expected to make Ancelotti's go-to line up.

That said, Fede Valverde will receive plenty of minutes in one of the three midfield roles over the course of the season.

Then comes the forward positions. Ronaldo has played almost solely through the middle for Juventus, but with Karim Benzema so impressive for Los Blancos since the Portuguese international left, Ronaldo may well be forced to play out wide.

If that is the case, then it'll come to the detriment of Eden Hazard, who would also be a candidate for the left-wing slot. However, it would means that Ancelotti could well utilise the front three that won the 2014 Champions League; Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.

That is the most likely line up, but if Ancelotti steers clear of a 4-3-3, then Ronaldo and Benzema could be used in a front two, with a No.10 behind. That role could be filled by Martin Odegaard or the aforementioned Hazard, and could add something different when Madrid are struggling.

Marco Asensio, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior will be in reserve.