Endrick, Modric, Camavinga or Guler: Who Replaces Kylian Mbappé in Real Madrid’s Derby Line-up?

Kylian Mbappe’s early days at Real Madrid have been nothing short of sensational. The French superstar, who joined Los Blancos amid much fanfare, has already showcased his quality, scoring seven goals and providing one assist in his first nine matches.

However, Mbappe’s electric start has been temporarily halted by a thigh injury, ruling him out for the next three weeks. With Real Madrid facing a crucial La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid, manager Carlo Ancelotti faces the challenging task of replacing the talismanic forward. Who will step up in his absence? Here are the key candidates vying to fill the void in Madrid’s line-up.

Who Will Replace Kylian Mbappe in Real Madrid’s Starting Line-Up for the Madrid Derby?

Endrick: A Raw Talent or Too Soon for the Big Stage?

Endrick, the Brazilian wonderkid, is a name that excites Madrid fans. At just 18, he has already made an impression, scoring twice in limited game time this season. His fearless attitude and ability to win penalties, as seen against Espanyol, have made him an intriguing prospect. However, Ancelotti has been cautious with the youngster, opting to use him sparingly across seven appearances totaling just 47 minutes on the pitch.

Despite this, Endrick’s potential makes him a fan favorite to replace Mbappe in the starting XI. But given the high stakes of a derby clash against Atletico Madrid, it is unlikely Ancelotti will take the gamble. The Madrid coach is known for his pragmatic approach and may prefer keeping Endrick as an impact substitute rather than risk his inexperience from the outset. Additionally, a potential switch in formation could limit Endrick’s role even further.

Luka Modric: The Safe, Experienced Choice

Luka Modric, Madrid’s veteran midfielder, appears to be the most logical option to replace Mbappe, particularly if Ancelotti opts for a more conservative 4-4-2 formation. The Croatian playmaker brings a wealth of experience and is still regarded as one of the most tactically astute players in the squad. Modric, now 39, has been more involved in Madrid’s current campaign than at the same point last season, accumulating 353 minutes.

Modric’s adaptability and football intelligence make him a reliable option to bring balance to the midfield in a match where defensive solidity is paramount. Ancelotti may opt for a midfield diamond, with Modric playing a key role in dictating the tempo and shielding the defense against Atletico’s fast-paced attack. This would allow Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo to focus on their attacking duties, giving Madrid flexibility without sacrificing structure.

However, there is a potential drawback: Modric’s performance in the same fixture last season. During Madrid’s 3-1 loss at Atletico, the Croatian struggled to cope with the pace of the game, which could make Ancelotti think twice about handing him a starting berth.

Arda Guler: The Rising Star with Potential

Turkish youngster Arda Guler is another candidate to replace Mbappe, although his chances of starting seem slim. At 19, Guler has enjoyed a positive start to his Madrid career, earning plaudits for his performances at the European Championship this summer. Despite that, he has only started three of Madrid’s nine matches this season, with Ancelotti utilizing him in an attacking midfield role when deployed.

Guler’s creativity and technical ability make him an exciting prospect for the future, but his lack of physicality and defensive nous are significant concerns. In a derby against a formidable Atletico side, Madrid needs players capable of contributing both offensively and defensively. With Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde expected to occupy more advanced roles, Guler’s chances of featuring in such a high-pressure environment are limited.

Eduardo Camavinga: A Return from Injury?

Eduardo Camavinga’s return from a knee injury has given Ancelotti another option in midfield, though it may be too soon for the 21-year-old to start in such a high-intensity match. Camavinga, who has yet to feature this season due to the injury sustained before the UEFA Super Cup, is expected to make the matchday squad. However, given his month-and-a-half layoff, a cautious approach might be taken, and he is likely to start on the bench.

Camavinga’s athleticism and dynamism make him an appealing choice, especially considering Modric’s struggles in last season’s clash against Atletico. But starting him in a match of this magnitude without full match fitness could be a risky decision that Ancelotti may prefer to avoid.

Ancelotti’s Tactical Dilemma: Stick with 4-3-3 or Switch to 4-4-2?

While replacing a player of Mbappe’s caliber is no easy task, the real decision Ancelotti faces is whether to alter Madrid’s formation. The injury has prompted discussions of switching from the usual 4-3-3 system to a 4-4-2, adding an extra midfielder to gain control in a heated derby. Ancelotti has already hinted at such changes during pre-match press conferences, emphasizing the importance of team balance rather than focusing solely on individual brilliance.

Replacing Kylian Mbappe in Real Madrid’s starting line-up for the derby will be no straightforward task, but Ancelotti has options at his disposal. Luka Modric seems the most likely candidate to step into the starting XI if the team shifts to a more midfield-heavy formation. However, Endrick and Guler offer exciting alternatives from the bench, while Camavinga’s fitness will determine his involvement. The derby against Atletico Madrid will be a stern test for Los Blancos, and whoever replaces Mbappe must rise to the occasion in his absence.

Read More: Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe Ruled Out for 3 Weeks with Thigh Injury, Set to Miss Madrid Derby