A change of style

Isco's signing will not only allow Carlo Ancelotti to call on one of the most talented young players in the world, but will also give him the tactical flexibility to choose the most appropriate formation based on the opponent and the match at hand.

'Carletto' ended the season at PSG playing a 4-2-3-1 after signing Lucas Moura during the winter transfer window. The Brazilian and Lavezzi played on the flanks, with Pastore as an attacking midfielder and Ibrahimovic as the frontman. If Ancelotti employs this system at Real Madrid, the natural position for Isco will be as an attacking midfielder, with Özil and Ronaldo on opposing flanks and Benzema up front. Behind Carlo's front line, Alonso, Khedira and Modric will fight it out for the two places in the double pivot.

When Ancelotti uses a 4-3-3 –his favourite formation during his management career– Isco could play behind the three forwards (Özil-Benzema-Ronaldo), taking up a deeper position in the middle of the field, in front of Alonso and alongside Modric or Khedira.

The third option is to play a 4-4-2 diamond formation of Argentinean ilk. Xabi Alonso would be the only pivot, supported by Özil to his right and Modric to his left, whilst the former Málaga player would form the upper point of the diamond. Ahead of him, Cristiano and Benzema would have freedom of movement, with neither of them being a classic centre forward.