Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid may seem to make Vinicius and Rodrygo uneasy at first glance, but the biggest impact will be on Bellingham as he will no longer have freedom to move and will have to step back to replace Toni Kroos

Kylian Mbappe’s transfer to Real Madrid is complete and the French striker has made his debut at the Santiago Bernabeu. Now, coach Carlo Ancelotti will face the problem of adding another diamond to the squad that has just won La Liga and the Champions League.

In fact, Ancelotti was informed about Mbappe’s arrival in February, but it was only when everything was officially completed that “Don Carlo” really faced a difficult problem.

Ancelotti’s favorite attacking formation last season only had room for Vinicius and Rodrygo on the wings without a center forward. Joselu is sometimes brought on when variation is needed, while Jude Bellingham is a midfielder. Mbappe’s presence requires Real Madrid to change both their tactics and personnel.

So what is the future of Madrid’s attacking players? And how can Ancelotti rebalance his winning formula?

Bellingham must replace Kroos

From a box-to-box midfielder at Dortmund, Bellingham has been given a more attacking role at the Bernabeu and has done an excellent job, scoring 23 goals in all competitions (just one less than top scorer Vinicius Junior).

Bellingham is comfortable in the No. 10 position, where he has the freedom to roam freely, and can push further forward when he spots a scoring opportunity. Under Ancelotti, Bellingham has also been given the freedom to move between the strikers in their adaptable 4-4-2 system.

With that tactic, Real Madrid have a box-to-box midfielder when they are not in possession and a No. 10 when they are in possession. If Ancelotti continues this way, Mbappé will replace Rodrygo and partner Vinicius Jr in a𝔱𝔱ack, while Bellingham’s role is unlikely to change too much.

But if and when Ancelotti introduces Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, experts say Bellingham will have to return to his old role at Dortmund, closer to central midfield. That could take away some of the “freedom” that made him stand out last season. This is likely as Ancelotti feels he needs to add more defensive duties, while also needing Bellingham’s ability to distribute the ball from midfield after the retirement of dealer Toni Kroos.