Carlo Ancelotti could well surprise everyone with an unexpected defensive adjustment. Deprived of Antonio Rüdiger through injury, the Italian coach is considering lining up Ferland Mendy in the centre. It’s an intriguing choice, but one that could prove to be a wise one.
Ferland Mendy has struggled to rediscover his best form this season. Far from being an undisputed starter, he has often had to make way for Fran García, who has impressed in several key matches. Despite his recognised defensive qualities, the French left-back has not always lived up to expectations, and his situation at Madrid is more uncertain than ever.
Despite this, Carlo Ancelotti continues to have faith in him. Convinced that Mendy still has a role to play, he could take a bold gamble by lining him up in central defence. An option which, at first glance, may seem surprising, but is based on a certain logic.
🚨 NEW: Ferland Mendy is an option to play at CB. @relevo pic.twitter.com/arfaPRHn2W
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) February 3, 2025
According to Relevo, there is nothing anecdotal about the idea. With David Alaba back but not at 100% and limited options in central defence, Real Madrid need to find a reliable alternative to compensate for Rüdiger’s absence. According to the media, Ancelotti is seriously considering testing out Ferland Mendy in central defence alongside youngsters such as Raúl Asencio or repositioning Aurélien Tchouaméni. However, this solution remains primarily a plan B. The club knows that the former Lyon man has never really played in this position at a high level.
Mendy in central defence: a risky gamble
The idea of repositioning Ferland Mendy in central defence is not without danger. The former Lyon man has never played in that position at a high level, and even in his natural position of left-back, his performances this season leave much to be desired. Too often caught off guard, inaccurate in his throw-ins and guilty of defensive errors, he no longer offers the same solidity as he did in his Madrid debut.
Lining him up in the middle, alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni – a midfielder turned defender – or young Raúl Asencio, would be a huge risk. Especially when you consider that Real Madrid will soon be facing some tough opponents. In La Liga, a derby against Atlético Madrid is looming, and in the Champions League, Manchester City will stand in their way. Faced with formidable attacks like those of Griezmann and Haaland, an experimental back four could turn into a fatal weakness.
If Ancelotti persists in this direction, he will have to hope that Mendy adapts quickly to his new role. But at a club where every mistake is costly, this test could turn out to be too risky a gamble.
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