Ancelotti had a couple of aces up his sleeve for Las Palmas. One, which was predictable, is Modric for Güler. Modric has to start playing. Since Kroos left, creativity in playmaking has been very noticeable. And the only one who resembles the German in terms of power, tactical intelligence, technical quality and commitment is him. By the way, today marks twelve years since he made his debut with Madrid and went on to win a Spanish Super Cup against Barça at the Bernabéu. A good precedent.
And two, Brahim Díaz came on for Rodrygo. Ancelotti said he was going to rotate the team. Rodrygo is not a doubtful player for Ancelotti. He is a regular starter, but if we are going to rotate the team, one day it would be his turn. And Brahim, with the good performance he had against Valladolid, deserved to be a starter. In the second half there will be minutes for Güler, for Endrick, for Rodrygo… The unknown is Ceballos. Will he play some, a little or not at all?
What I don’t see as a rotation is the entry of Lucas Vázquez for Carvajal. Lucas is so good that, despite Carvajal being the best right back in the world, when the Galician comes on his performance is very similar and he excels. Every time he plays it is as if he were in the starting lineup.