It’s been some week for Florentino Perez.
A battered and bruised ego in the wake of the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony is starting to recover in time for Christmas. After one of his superstars, Vinicius Junior, claimed FIFA’s Best Men’s Player Award, Real Madrid were crowned world champions for the ninth time in Qatar and they could yet end the calendar year at the top of the La Liga table.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been far from perfect this term, but there have been signs of Madrid’s stellar attack clicking in time for the new year slog.
Madrid welcomed Kylian Mbappe back to the fold for their Intercontinental Cup final triumph, but Ancelotti will have to do more reshuffling up top for Sevilla’s visit on Sunday. Here’s how Madrid could line up for their final encounter of 2024.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian has been a busy boy this term as a result of Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities, and he had to work for his clean sheet in Doha on Wednesday. He’s a shoo-in between the sticks.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – Ancelotti’s leant on the veteran after Dani Carvajal succumbed to an ACL tear. Madrid don’t have many alternatives at right-back, although Raul Asencio may be used there during the second half of the season.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – Dare I say it, but Tchouameni has looked more comfortable at the heart of Madrid’s defence compared to the base of their midfield.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – A mainstay last season and nothing’s changed this term. The German is a pivotal presence in the Madrid defence, and he’ll be offering his left-back plenty of support against Sevilla’s top scorer, Dodi Lukebakio.
LB: Fran Garcia – Ferland Mendy could be back in the matchday squad on Sunday, but Ancelotti will likely stick with Garca in his XI and hand Mendy minutes off the bench.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – Camavinga has returned from injury and boasts a big role in Madrid’s midfield during the second half of the season. He should keep his place in the side from Wednesday.
CM: Federico Valverde – The lung-busting Uruguayan hasn’t had the best of seasons, but he remains an instrumental figure in the engine room. Ancelotti recently confirmed that Valverde will not be used as a right-back, so he’ll operate from a central midfield position on Sunday while offering Vazquez support.
CM: Jude Bellingham – The England international endured a fairly muted start to the season, but he’s caught fire over the last month or so. Bellingham’s goal streak came to an end on Wednesday.
RW: Arda Guler – Vinicius Junior’s suspension opens the door for Guler to earn a rare start. Brahim Diaz has shared the Turkish star’s minutes this term, but Guler could get the nod here after he recorded a pair of assists during the controversial 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano last weekend.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – The Frenchman quickly recovered from a muscle injury and was on the scoresheet against Pachuca. Mbappe has looked sharp in recent appearances, and he’ll be looking to end the year with a bang.
LW: Rodrygo – Rodrygo so often reaches another level in Vini Jr’s absence. He was Madrid’s star this time last year while his compatriot was nursing an injury, and much of his good work arrived while operating off the left.