How Real Madrid should line up for the 2023-24 season: Kylian Mbappe or not, a No.9 must be signed to keep Jude Bellingham in his best position

It's likely that Madrid will dip into the transfer market after the devastating news that Courtois could be out for most if not all of the upcoming season, but without knowing their exact plans for the goalkeeper position, we've gone for Courtois' back-up Andriy Lunin between the sticks.

The Ukraine international has proven himself an able deputy in recent times, but it remains to be seen how he would deal with the pressure if he were to become the regular No.1 over the course of a whole campaign.

Despite entering the twilight of his career, Dani Carvajal should keep his spot in the XI. It could, though, be his last season as a guaranteed starter. The Spain full-back showed signs of slowing down in 2022-23, and with only two years remaining on his contract, could be seeing his days as a go-to player coming to an end.

Comfortably the second best centre-back in La Liga last season, Eder Militao has broken into the Brazil side and figures to be Madrid captain someday. Ancelotti has flirted with the idea of playing Militao at right-back to make room for Antonio Rudiger, but he is best used in the middle.

Is there a position he can't play? David Alaba is arguably one of the most versatile footballers out there, and could quite comfortably slot in anywhere across the backline. But he's best used as a left-sided centre-back — and has excelled there for two years now.

He openly despises playing there, but unfortunately for Camavinga, he's a top-tier left-back. Both Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia will feel they deserve a shot here, but Camavinga is simply better — and more versatile, too.

Perhaps the last ride for Luka Modric, this could be a farewell season for one of the game's greats. The Croatian won't start every game anymore — his legs probably can't take it — but he will be in there for the big ones. Regardless, he's still among the best in the world.

There are undoubtedly flaws to Toni Kroos' game at this point. He was never quick, but his aging legs are no longer enough to make up for the odd defensive error that has crept into his game. Still, he is among the most efficient passers on the planet, and Madrid are far worse without him.

The biggest signing of the summer so far, Jude Bellingham should, theoretically slide right into the Madrid XI. He has been used as a No.10 in pre-season by Ancelotti, but he is better suited to being a No.8 who arrives into the box late, and as such the need for a central striker ahead of him is paramount.

Rodrygo is arguably more deserving of a starting spot at this point, as Fede Valverde has struggled for a few months, and hasn't done enough to suggest that he should be a regular in central midfield. Still, the manager loves him, which may be enough to get him in the side every week.

What is clear is that Madrid need to stick to their tried-and-trusted 4-3-3 formation, even if little tweaks are made within the system. That means playing a central striker, and despite his form for Espanyol last season, summer signing Joselu is not the answer.

So who then? Mbappe is the obvious answer, but that potential transfer gets less likely with every passing hour. Others remain on the market, such as Victor Osimhen, Randal Kolo Muani, Romelu Lukaku and Dusan Vlahovic, but they are likely to be all very expensive given Mbappe will likely replace them in the line up in 12 months' time and, in some cases, bad fits for this Madrid side.

The undisputed star of this Madrid team, Vinicius Jr. is now, officially, the first name on the teamsheet. Equal parts entertainer and ruthless playmaker, it won't be long before the Brazilian is in with a shot of winning the Ballon d'Or.