Real Madrid, after a treble of Champions League titles in Europe, completed another treble- a treble of managers in the 2018/19 season. Starting with the departure of Zinedine Zidane, Florentino Perez went from Julien Lopetegui to Santiago Solari and back to Zinedine Zidane and thus Los Blancos came full circle in the span of 9 months.
Galactico fans let out a sigh of relief as they witnessed the nightmare season at Santiago Bernabeu reach its conclusion. However, the show isn’t over just yet with a lot of targets yet to be achieved in the upcoming transfer window.
Zinedine Zidane and co. have already been linked to a plethora of world-class footballers in Eden Hazard, Christian Eriksen, Paul Pogba and many others as they look to rebuild the squad. They have already signed Eder Militao from Porto who is likely to feature at the heart of the backline.
Amid a catastrophic season at Manchester United, Pogba himself has flirted with the likes of Real Madrid not that long ago and a move for the Frenchman is on the cards. According to reports, the United star midfielder could be on his way to Santiago Bernabeu in the summer. Another player who is reportedly closest to a move is Serbian striker Luka Jovic.
Let’s take a look at how Pogba could line up in Los Blancos starting XI under the French manager Zinedine Zidane along with Eden Hazard, who has also been linked with a move to the Spanish capital.
Formations
(4-3-3) With an ageing Luka Modric and an out of touch Isco slowly shunted to the sidelines, Pogba can slide in alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro with the German extending his contract until 2023. A defensive shield in Casemiro who will provide cover for the back four, a controller in Kroos and a free-roaming Pogba, this midfield trio looks ruthless especially seeing Pogba’s prowess in the final third.
After the departure of Jose Mourinho from Old Trafford, the 26-year-old French International took everyone by surprise with his displays once he was given a free role on the pitch by the then caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Pogba who starts from the left side of the pitch can create a perfect balance with the German who can create from a deeper role and the French star can charge forward posing a real threat to the opposition goal.
(4-2-3-1) Depending upon the opposition, Zidane could also deploy a double pivot in Kroos and Casemiro giving Pogba the number 10 role. The number 10 role in a much more dominant side than United, Pogba will wreak havoc upon the opposition.
The Frenchman is versatile and although his best displays have come further up the pitch, he can also slot in beside any of Kroos or Casemiro in case the need arises. This provides the French manager with much more flexibility who can then introduce Isco in the number 10 role as well as we have seen in the past.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt, Whoscored
