Useful information
Prime News delivers timely, accurate news and insights on global events, politics, business, and technology
It has been a week for Florentino Pérez.
An ego battered and bruised after the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony is starting to recover in time for Christmas. After one of their superstars, Vinicius Junior, won the FIFA Best Player award, Real Madrid were crowned world champions for the ninth time in Qatar and could still finish the calendar year at the top of the La table. League.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team has been far from perfect this season, but there have been signs that Madrid’s stellar attack is clicking in time for the new year’s work.
Madrid welcomed Kylian Mbappe back into the fold for their Intercontinental Cup final triumph, but Ancelotti will have to make further shake-ups at the top for the visit of Sevilla on Sunday. This is how Madrid could prepare for its last match in 2024.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian has been very busy this season due to Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities, and had to work to keep a clean sheet in Doha on Wednesday. It is insurance between the sticks.
RB: Lucas Vázquez – Ancelotti leaned on the veteran after Dani Carvajal succumbed to a torn ACL. Madrid do not have many alternatives at right back, although Raúl Asencio could be used there during the second half of the season.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – Dare I say it, but Tchouameni has seemed more comfortable in the heart of Madrid’s defense than at the base of their midfield.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger – A pillar last season and nothing has changed this season. The German is a key presence in Madrid’s defense and will offer plenty of support to their left-back against Sevilla’s top scorer, Dodi Lukebakio.
LB: Fran García – Ferland Mendy could return to the matchday squad on Sunday, but Ancelotti is likely to keep Garcia in his XI and give Mendy minutes off the bench.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – Camavinga has returned from injury and boasts of having a great role in the Madrid midfield during the second half of the season. He should retain his place in the team starting Wednesday.
CM: Federico Valverde – The Uruguayan has not had the best of his seasons, but he remains a fundamental figure in the engine room. Ancelotti recently confirmed that Valverde will not be used at right-back, so will operate from a central midfield position on Sunday while offering support to Vázquez.
CM: Jude Bellingham – The England international had a rather weak start to the season, but has gained strength over the last month. Bellingham’s scoring streak came to an end on Wednesday.
RW: Arda Güler – Vinicius Junior’s suspension opens the door for Güler to get an unusual start. Brahim Diaz has shared the Turkish star’s minutes this season, but Guler could get the nod here after registering a pair of assists during the controversial 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano last weekend.
ST: Kylian Mbappé – The Frenchman recovered quickly from a muscle injury and scored against Pachuca. Mbappé has looked very good in recent appearances and will look to finish the year with a bang.
LB: Rodrygo- Rodrygo often reaches another level in the absence of Vini Jr. He was Madrid’s star last year while his compatriot recovered from injury, and much of his good work came while operating on the left.
