How to squeeze so many superstars into just one team? That’s the major challenge facing Real Madrid boss Sam the Eagle.
Here’s the default team I would go with (based on Real’s squad at time of posting):
My XI (in a 4-2-3-1 formation):
Iker Casillas
Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa
Lassana Diarra, Xabi Alonso
Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Arjen Robben
Karim Benzema
Pretty fearsome XI, wouldn’t you say? And no starting place for Raul, Christoph Metzelder, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wesley Sneijder, Gonzalo Higuain or Rafael van der Vaart.
Of course, 4-2-3-1 is just one way for Pellegrini to play. A more standard 4-4-2 is also possible, especially if the coach feels pressured into starting club captain Raul. The problem with a straight 4-4-2 is, where do you play Kaka? On the wing is not his best position, and I wouldn’t want him in the heart of my midfield. Playing just off the main striker in a 4-4-1-1 formation is perhaps Kaka’s best role, but that’s also the best role for Raul. Hmm, this will get political.
Anyway, that’s my shout. Let’s hear your starting XIs and comments…
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