Real Madrid vs. Chelsea: Who Starts in Pre-Season?
The stage is set for a thrilling clash between Real Madrid and Chelsea as they face off in a pre-season friendly on July 23rd in the US. Both teams are in the midst of their preparations for the upcoming season, and this matchup offers a valuable opportunity to test their squad depth and tactical approaches.
Real Madrid has undergone significant changes this summer. Carlo Ancelotti's side is looking to rebuild after the departure of Karim Benzema and the need to bring in fresh talent. New signings like Jude Bellingham and Fran Garcia will be eager to prove their worth in front of the passionate Real Madrid fanbase. The key question for Ancelotti will be who he chooses to lead the line in Benzema's absence? Will it be the experienced Karim Benzema, or a chance for the younger Endrick to stake his claim?
Chelsea, on the other hand, is aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 2022-23 campaign. With Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, they are looking to re-establish themselves as a Premier League force. Will new signings like Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson be thrust into the starting lineup to give them a chance to shine right away?
Key Players to Watch:
- Real Madrid:
- Jude Bellingham: The highly sought-after midfielder will be eager to make his mark in the white of Real Madrid.
- Endrick: The young Brazilian forward will be hoping to showcase his skills and potentially earn a starting spot.
- Aurelien Tchouameni: The French midfielder will look to build upon his impressive debut season.
- Chelsea:
- Christopher Nkunku: The former RB Leipzig star is expected to be a key player for Chelsea this season.
- Nicolas Jackson: The Senegalese striker has big shoes to fill following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku.
- Enzo Fernandez: The Argentine midfielder has the potential to be a dominant force in the middle of the park.
What To Expect:
- High-intensity football: Both teams are known for their attacking style of play, so we can expect a fast-paced and entertaining encounter.
- Tactical battles: Ancelotti and Pochettino are two of the best managers in the world, and they will be looking to outsmart each other.
- New faces on show: This is a chance for the new signings on both sides to make a first impression.
This pre-season friendly is more than just a tune-up. It's a chance for both Real Madrid and Chelsea to make a statement and gain momentum heading into the new season. With the global stage watching, this matchup promises to be a captivating and exciting encounter.
