Real Madrid have generally had a solid starting XI when Carlo Ancelotti has been in charge of the club. However, injuries have forced him to make several changes to his plans in recent months, and with Ferland Mendy's injury problems returning at points during the season, his place is now under threat.
Diario AS points out that one in ten of Real Madrid's goals this season has come from alternative left-back Fran Garcia or right-back Lucas Vazquez. The latter has come under pressure of late for his defensive performances, something Ancelotti is trying to work on with both, but he is delighted with their form going forward. They offer a depth and breadth that will greatly impact their attack.
Los Blancos will have to improvise in the Champions League this week, with Vazquez suspended for a pile-up of yellow cards, with Fede Valverde most likely to come on. Otherwise, Ancelotti will be forced to play Raul Asencio out of position or turn to academy players. Jesus Fortea or Lorenzo Aguado, something he has shown little appetite for so far. Vazquez's presence is necessary, but overall his erratic defense makes his presence in the backline a problem for Real Madrid.
The same cannot be said for Garcia. Providing his third assist of the season for Rodrygo, Ancelotti is happy with his attacking contributions and feels he has improved significantly in defense in recent months. With Mendy a far cry from the lockdown left-back he was last season, the duo are now seen as being at a similar level. Previously it was a given that Mendy would start where possible, now it is an open debate at Valdebebas.
With Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies looking set to stay in Germany, it will be interesting to see if Los Blancos enter the transfer market for a left-back this summer. Just a few months ago it looked like it would be Davies, but now neither Garcia nor Mendy are seen as options at the top level.
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