Real Madrid are in preparations for their first match of the season against Athletic Club on Saturday, and their starting XI is beginning to take shape.
Carlo Ancelotti will be without three of his Real Madrid squad in an likelihood, with Arda Gurler, Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy all injured. Los Blancos have used the likes of Nacho Fernandez, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba at left-back previously, but with Mendy out, MD say that new signing Fran Garcia will make his debut with a start at San Mames.
Perhaps more surprising is that Marca say that Aurelien Tchouameni will also be a starter. The French midfielder slid down the pecking order last season through injury and loss of form, but has looked back to his best again in preseason.
He is seen as key to becoming more solid at the back for Real Madrid, as someone capable of stepping up and adjusting while pressing. The defensive shape was their biggest issue in preseason.
The flipside of this is Fede Valverde, who has not been at his best since returning, and with competition in midfield increased, he could see himself on the outside looking in.
Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham are likely to have their spots in the starting XI, as Los Blancos trial a new formation with Bellingham used as a number 10. That leaves just one spot in the midfield free for Toni Kroos or Luka Modric to battle for.
