Ancelotti reveals how Vini Jr might fit in if Mbappe signs for Real Madrid

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 11 May 2022 08:04 CDT
  • 3 min read
Rodrygo, David Alaba, Vini Jr, Real Madrid, 2021/22
© ProShots

Kylian Mbappe continues to be a regular source of transfer speculation at Real Madrid, with the PSG attacker out of contract at the end of the season.

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Although the World Cup winner’s future remains unknown, what is certain is that if he joins up at the Bernabeu is the head coach Carlo Ancelotti will have a big decision to make over which position he plays in.

Centre forward seems to be tied down to Karim Benzema, who has enjoyed such a prolific campaign, but there is debate on the wings. In order to prevent upset to the current balance of the squad, Ancelotti could deploy Mbappe on the right, but he has not played in that role regularly since his early days with Monaco.

If the Frenchman was fielded on his preferred position on the left side of the pitch, it would force Vinicius Junior into switching roles, despite the fact that he has started to flourish in that position this season.

It was put to Ancelotti during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday how he might reshuffle things.

Referring to Vini Jr, the Italian said: “He is good on the left wing and can even get better. He must do better in his movement without the ball to take advantage of his speed more, not just in one-on-one situations.”

Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, 2021/22
© ProShots

Ancelotti on Rudiger transfer

Meanwhile, Ancelotti would not be drawn into commenting on supposed deals for Antonio Rudiger, which is being widely reported as being complete, and that of Mbappe.

“We have to finish the season. It’s not the time to speak about these things,” he said. “I know you don’t have the information, but speaking about the transfer window doesn’t seem right to me. It’s not the day to talk about alleged new Real Madrid players.”

Ancelotti and Real Madrid will face Levante in La Liga on Thursday as they continue their build up towards the Champions League final at the end of the month.

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