May Change 4-3-3 to Fit in Newcomers - Ancelotti in search of a system

Champions Cup barely offered us any clues. A number of World Cup stars were missing and, more importantly, so were Real Madrid's three fresh faces for 2014/15: Toni Kroos, James Rodríguez and Keylor Navas. Logic would lead us to assume that they will all be regular starters, but that would require a modification of the 4-3-3 formation which took Real to Copa del Rey and Champions League glory last season.

The 4-3-3 formation was Real Madrid's foundation last season. It may not have been the starting point, but it was the structure which ended up dominating, thanks mainly to the versatility of Di María, who moved from the left flank to add some defensive capability to the line in the middle of the pitch. Ancelotti was searching for the key to his system: balance.

The tactical drawing board is looking more complicated for Ancelotti now after the addition of three players who are expected to play on a regular basis. The most difficult man to fit into the schematic will certainly be James, given that the BBC is untouchable. The Colombian's arrival will force him to restructure his midfield. The most likely layout would be a 4-2-3-1, with Modric and/or Xabi and Kroos in the holding roles; Bale, James and Cristiano making up the line of attacking midfielders; and Benzema up front. The two anchormen would maintain the team's balance - the mantra which Ancelotti repeats every time he talks about the formation of his teams.