New Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez reportedly plans to scrap the ‘BBC’ for his tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 formation, with Cristiano Ronaldo as the lone striker.
The 55-year-old, who was officially unveiled as Los Blancos’ successor to Carlo Ancelotti earlier in the week, has used the tactic throughout his managerial career, and AS claims he will be no different in the Spanish capital.
Consequently, Madrid’s much-hyped attacking trident of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo will be broken up and result in a domino effect on the rest of the team.
Ronaldo, who wore the No 9 jersey in his first season with Madrid, has previous experience of playing as a lone striker, and Benitez believes he will benefit from the positional change.
The newspaper explains that the former Liverpool and Napoli manager hopes to preserve the forward’s energy in light of his fitness struggles towards the end of 2014-15 by eliminating the need for him to continually cut inside from the left.
However, Ronaldo’s move further forward means Benzema is likely to be the player who is sacrificed and forced to
Gareth Bale should also get his wish of reverting back to the left wing, leaving James Rodriguez to take up the No 10 berth.
Benitez is now expected to discuss his plans with the former Manchester United star once he returns from international duty with Portugal.
Madrid last used a 4-2-3-1 under Jose Mourinho, with Ronaldo on the left, Angel Di Maria on the right and Mesut Ozil playing behind either Karim Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain.
