Cristiano gains Messi-style influence

Everything points to the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo's position in Ancelotti's tactical formation is more than just circumstance. It is also possible that the manager and player discussed the idea before agreeing to try it out and see whether it works.

The Italian manager has positioned the Portuguese striker in the centre of the attacking line, which increases the role he plays within the team as a whole.

If, as we saw on Saturday, he intends to build a strong core with three central midfielders and two central attacking midfielders, Cristiano will be at the epicentre and have much more presence in the build-up. This applies to both static attacks and counterattacks, which he may even launch himself from this strategic position, as was the case in the only goal of the game.

He will take on a more influential position, given the simple fact that he will not drift out to the left flank, and will occupy a very similar position to the one that Messi plays in at Barcelona. The difference is that Cristiano will normally have a target man ahead of him in the form of Benzema, whilst the Argentinean has no-one. He is a false nine.

Another aspect to be confirmed is whether the Portuguese will be practically relieved of all defensive duties in this line-up. On the flank, Mourinho demanded at least some holding work against the opposing right back, and now it appears that with the 1-4-4-1-1 formation that the team will use to defend, he will have to expend much less effort in this regard.