Ancelotti could adopt ‘pyramid formation’ in Real Madrid superstar’s absence

It has been a season of new beginnings for Real Madrid.

The departure of Karim Benzema was the first of many drastic changes at the Spanish capital, and the saga culminated in Carlo Ancelotti’s novel formation to fit the current squad.

The 4-4-2 diamond appeared to be the right way forward for Los Blancos, for it helped players like Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni play to their strengths. Of the three games the team played in the aforementioned setup, the men in white did not falter in any.

Vinicius Jr’s injury marks the commencement of another sub-heading in Real Madrid’s book this season. With the star forward ruled out for six weeks, Ancelotti strongly considers changing the formation once again.

According to reports from El Chiringuito, the Italian tactician is preparing a ‘pyramid formation’ as a solution to the Brazilian’s absence.

The team will adopt a 4-3-2-1 setup with Joselu playing as the central striker, and the duo of Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes playing behind him.

While the change appears drastic on paper, the difference between the 4-4-2 diamond and the 4-3-2-1 is not much. The key difference, however,  is in the position of Rodrygo.

The young phenom has always been one to pounce on the half-spaces and shine behind an established striker.

Officially deploying him in attacking midfield may help bring the best out of him, albeit it remains to be seen how the new formation affects Bellingham.

Much like its twin 4-4-2 system, Ancelotti’s new setup does not feature any width in midfield or attack.

With the team centrally concentrated, the responsibility of stretching the defence and adding an element of width falls on the two full-backs.

Fran Garcia and Dani Carvajal have proven to be valuable on that front in recent games and will look to produce more of the same when Los Blancos take to the field this weekend.