Carlo Ancelotti has to change the midfield in Real Madrid's next game | OneFootball

After Real Madrid's poor performance to kick off their 2024/25 La Liga campaign, Carlo Ancelotti has to rethink his XI against Real Valladolid, starting with the world-class player that was stuck on the bench.

Real Madrid's week got off to sublime start as the reigning Champions League winners lifted their record sixth UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night. Just four days later, the same XI that started the match against Atalanta, including the midfield trio of Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, and Jude Bellingham, took on Mallorca in Los Blancos' first fixture of their La Liga title defense.

Rodrygo's early goal put his side up 1-0, but Vedat Muriqi equalized in the second half. Carlo Ancelotti's side could not find a winner in the remaining 37 minutes, and therefore returned to Madrid with just one point.

There was plenty to dislike about Real Madrid's performance on Sunday night, but their poor midfield raised several warranted questions that Ancelotti could address with one major change to his XI this weekend.

Luka Modric needs to play more minutes on Sunday than he did against Mallorca. / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

Carlo Ancelotti has to start this player in Real Madrid's next game

Carlo Ancelotti must consider starting Luka Modric in Real Madrid's next game. The Croatian's expertise is greatly needed in the midfield, especially in the absence of Toni Kroos.

The untested trio of Tchouameni, Valverde, and Bellingham failed to control the game against Mallorca, a team that finished 15th in La Liga last season, and created just three chances combined in 90 minutes.

Sure, they completed plenty of passes, and covered significant ground, but to what end? The young stars lacked creativity, something the winningest player in Real Madrid's history would provide with ease.

Even at age 38, Los Blancos' captain has to be in the conversation to start against Valladolid. As long as Eduardo Camavinga remains sidelined with a knee injury, Real Madrid's midfield will lack the vision necessary to overcome a low block without Modric on the pitch.

As Ancelotti continues to iron out the kinks in his new front three, he needs the composure of the six-time Champions League winner commanding the midfield.