Image 1: Arguably Real Madrid’s best lineup as of now (injuries not taken into account).

Image 2: Something that may work, but will never be tried.

Reminder: This thread will not consider every attribute/strength/weakness of players.. Only some..

Explanations below (1/12)

Image 1: First acknowledge that there are many Real Madrid players out of form right now.. It was difficult creating the 4-3-3 because of this, and Zidane will never change from a basic 4-3-3..

I will only go into details on the more controversial picks in this lineup.. (2/

Why is Hazard not included?
• Hazard has had a difficult time at RM so far with injuries. However, Hazard has still played many matches and hasn’t contributed much (g/a). Hazard has done okay in the buildup and off the ball moments, but has not lived up to expectations

• For the price Real Madrid paid for Hazard and with regard to his reputation, he has been very disappointing. Until Hazard lives up to his expectations, he will not be included.

• Hazard regaining his old Chelsea form is unfortunately not a guarantee..

• Vinicius is not necessarily ‘better’ than Hazard, but at the moment he has more to offer. Besides an abysmal shooting ability, Vinicius is the more confident player and this can be seen in 1v1 situations.. Vinicius is a very active player in the final third with his speed

... and movements in and around the box. Vinicius still has lots of time to develop as well, he is very young.

To give a young exciting prospect a chance at continuous game time is a good idea..

Hazard has had many times to prove himself.. how many more chances can RM afford?

Nacho over Vazquez as RB?

• Vazquez is an RW, not a RB.. Before the game against Bilbao, Vazquez did well as RB, but this disguised his typical RB performances. He’s not physical enough and his decision making in the defensive third is questionable..

When creating this 4-3-3, it is clear that Real Madrid’s depth is not adequate for the standards of Real Madrid..

Real Madrid need:

• A third quality CB, or give Militao playing time

• A backup DM

• Another forward

• Another RB

To challenge the starters..

Image 2: Hypothetical attacking 4-3-3

This lineup is arguably the best hypothetical lineup Real Madrid could have. Zidane would never use it though, so it’s just an idea..

• Ødegaard as an AM would be wonderful to see. Finally, getting game time and playing in his natural position..

• Valverde over Modric as Modric should not be relied on game in and game out.. needs rest and RM have to think about the future..

• No Casemiro, because a 4-4-2 diamond would be even more absurd than this attacking 4–3-3 for Zidane to try..

• Kroos would act as an auxiliary center back or DM (as he has done in games before) to solve the midfield defensive issues..

A small thread, but this is definitely worth discussing..

If anyone has any questions or wants to debate, comment below. I will do my best to answer everyone. I’m sure excluding Hazard will come across as controversial, as it is. Criticism, not hatred.

Thank you for your time.