According to L’Equipe, Real Madrid’s leaky defence in recent matches has led to Ancelotti considering the addition of an extra midfielder, which would relinquish some of Mbappe’s defensive duties and allow the French forward more focus on his attacking play.
The change would likely see Rodrygo dropped to the bench, with Mbappe partnering Vinicius Junior up top in exchange for an additional midfielder.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Although Real Madrid are still unbeaten this season and have conceded a joint-least two goals in La Liga, Ancelotti is concerned over the number of shots his side are facing.
Real conceded 11 shots against Real Sociedad in their last league game and saw Thibaut Courtois come to his side’s rescue on numerous occasions during the team’s 3-1 win over Stuttgart in the Champions League midweek.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Mbappe has scored three times in his first five league games for Real Madrid, however it is his worst start to a domestic season since the 2019-20 campaign, having already had seven goals at this point for Paris Saint-Germain last season.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE AND REAL MADRID?
Real host Espanyol on Saturday looking to close the gap to Barcelona, who have already taken a four-point lead at the top of La Liga after a 100% start to the season.
Mbappe is expected to continue starting up front for Real and it remains to be seen whether Ancelotti introduces his new formation this weekend, with Jude Bellingham still building fitness after making his first appearance in a month against Stuttgart.
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