Problems for Real: Liverpool without two key midfielders from the starting line-up

Tomorrow, Real Madrid will play Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals. However, Carlo Ancelotti had to accept unpleasant news from the doctors, as he cannot include two key midfielders in the nomination. Toni Kroos and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

After this weekend’s win at Osasuna, Ancelotti received very pleasant news. He found out that he can count on 18-year-old Álvaro Rodríguez, a great talent from La Fabrica, Real Madrid’s academy.

The Uruguayan striker didn’t come on until the 88th minute, but managed to collect two assists in two minutes . The first one, when he set up the ball in front of Vinícius’ goal in an independent break, was disallowed due to a close offside, but moments later he won the ball himself and presented it to Asensio.

So his name is on the nomination for Liverpool and Ancelotti has another alternative in the offensive line. Other youngsters Mario Martín and Sergio Arribas will travel with the team to Beatles City to reinforce the midfield line.

And that will certainly be needed as Ancelotti is counting on two embarrassing losses in midfield. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Toni Kroos have been struck down with fever and won’t even travel to Liverpool.

Both of them are part of the starting line-up and in the toughest games they are sure to win their place. If they were ready, they would definitely play at Anfield Road.

A decent replacement

The Italian coach may be concerned about the loss of two key midfielders, but on the other hand, it is not the end of the world. Eduardo Camavinga, who is Real Madrid’s best player after the World Cup break, has come into amazing form.

Federico Valverde has returned to the level of his previous performances after a layoff due to personal problems, the struggling Dani Ceballos is playing great for a new contract and you still have Luka Modric available.

The midfield is thus a line where Real Madrid have a proper load despite losing two key players. So Ancelotti has the starting line-up sorted, the problems are more due to the fact that he doesn’t have many substitutes on the bench who could fill in in midfield if needed.

On the bench, Ancelotti will probably keep Rodrygo, who has proven to be a great joker in the past. Marco Asensio is also showing decent form, plus the aforementioned Álvaro. That’s it for the attack though, the midfielder is no more.

This would put Valverde in the centre of midfield if needed, or Ancelotti would opt for a 4-2-4 formation with Rodrygo as a free agent under Benzema, which he uses when Real tighten up.

Real Madrid’s likely line-up:

Courtois
Carvajal – Militao – Nacho – Alaba
Modric – Camavinga – Ceballos
Valverde – Benzema – Vinícius

Source:: Real Madrid