Real Madrid were humiliated at the hands of their rivals Atletico in Sunday night’s Madrid derby, and this first defeat of the season could spark Carlo Ancelotti into making some changes.
Los Blancos are currently missing a fair number of players, but have still not rotated much beyond their first XI. Whilst they won all of their games leading up to the derby, they were unconvincing at times, relying on Jude Bellingham to bail the side out with a number of late winners.
Bellingham’s signing has been a resounding success, but in what was a fairly busy transfer window, not all of the new arrivals have been given a chance to prove themselves like the Englishman.
Brahim Diaz returned to the club after a spell at AC Milan, but is yet to start a single match, and has totalled just 45 minutes of action in five appearances so far.
Ancelotti made the baffling decision to drop striker Joselu for the derby, and with the side failing to deliver, Brahim now deserves a chance to show why he could be useful for the team.
Brahim can spark a system change
So far, Ancelotti has used a diamond formation, with four central midfielders behind Rodrgyo and Joselu in attack, with mixed success. Whilst this has helped Bellingham increase his output, it has not been wholly convincing as a system.
Starting Brahim on the right wing could help add more spark to the Real Madrid team. Rodrygo can move to the left until Vinicius Junior returns from injury, with Joselu as a target man and Bellingham forming a midfield three behind this attack.
Brahim notched up 14 goals and assists for AC Milan last season, and if he is given a chance, he can add more end-product and creativity to the side, who could line up in a more balanced shape.
It seems unlikely that Ancelotti will change his system just yet, but Brahim has every right to feel aggrieved that he has not been given an opportunity to play.