Real Madrid coach must make an important decision in midfield vs Sociedad amid injury crisis | OneFootball

Real Madrid are set to resume their campaign later this evening as they take on Real Sociedad at the Anoeta.

The reigning champions are heading into this game with a depleted midfield unit, with the likes of Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni sidelined with injuries.

This will force Carlo Ancelotti to improvise and on that note, the Italian might have to make an important decision in the middle of the park.

Arda Guler vs Brahim Diaz

With Luka Modric and Federico Valverde emerging as guaranteed starters in Real Madrid’s three-man midfield setup, there is space for only one more midfielder.

That choice lies between two creative midfielders Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz, leaving Ancelotti with a major selection dilemma.

Both players are known for their technical ability and attacking prowess, but their capacity to slot into a 4-3-3 midfield role is still a point of debate.

Guler has gained Ancelotti’s trust gradually and, despite his limited experience at the elite level, he brings versatility and physical attributes that could suit the inside midfielder role.

Arda Guler has impressed Ancelotti with his performances for Turkey (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

Ancelotti himself has praised the Turkish youngster’s performance with the national team, particularly his assist in the last game, his vision and his ability to operate between the lines — a key skill needed in Madrid’s midfield structure.

However, his lack of defensive experience in such a role may create vulnerabilities in Madrid’s pressing game.

On the other hand, Brahim Diaz, who also had a successful international break, is more experienced but often operates higher up the pitch.

He has shown his goalscoring ability with crucial strikes against Gabon and Lesotho, but adapting to the intensity and physical demands of a midfield role in a 4-3-3 could be a challenge.

Ancelotti’s decision will revolve around whether to maintain the tactical consistency of the 4-3-3 or shift to a more adaptable system that plays to the strengths of Guler or Brahim.

It must be noted that there is another alternative in the form of Chema, who is attracting much attention due to comparisons with Real Madrid’s top target, Rodri.