Where in Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded attack does Kylian Mbappe slot in at Real Madrid?

The crucial forward duo of Real Madrid scored when Jude Bellingham slid in Vinicius Jr., a Champions League trophy given out without the team having a recognized, elite No. 9.

The whole conversation leading up to, during, and following Saturday's victory against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley centred on how Carlo Ancelotti, who lost Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabia last summer, has orchestrated another Real victory. The conversation now is about how they can reach new heights with the addition of another French forward.

Kylian Mbappe, who turned down three times by the Spanish powerhouses, will now join Real Madrid. First, following a trial with Real's U12 squad; second, in favor of PSG in 2017 and 2022. Now, when his new side most needs him, he will show up at the Bernabeu.

After the Champions League final on Saturday, Bellingham stated, "That clinical nine is the only thing we're missing."

We would be in a really good position to go, and we could reach new heights if he could come and provide it to us. Among the world's top players!"

Now, Real will have their elite number nine, possibly the greatest in the world. The issue lies in what happens to players like Bellingham and Vinicius after their valiant performances throughout the season, not just at Wembley.

In response to Benzema's departure, Ancelotti chose to play a 4-3-1-2 system with Vinicius and Rodrygo acting as "split forwards" who occupy wide areas. This setup allows Bellingham, a recent addition, to play freely behind them at the apex of a midfield diamond.

In terms of transfer sales, this front three won't be divided. With 24 and 23 goals scored, respectively, this season, Vinicius and Bellingham were Real's two most crucial players. Rodrygo has promised to stay in the Spanish capital for the upcoming season, despite rumors that he is moving.

However, Mbappe is now poised to be Real Madrid's crown jewel after scoring 256 goals in 308 appearances in the French city. However, how can the former No. 7 for PSG become the star player for Real Madrid without detracting from Vinicius, the current No. 7 for Real, who is undoubtedly among the best players in the world?

Given that Mbappe and Vinicius played in the same position this season and the Brazilian is unwilling to relocate, a problem might arise.

"Vinicius has truly claimed the left side as his own. According to Spanish football journalist Semra Hunter, that is his ideal position.

"Let's assume that Ancelotti will continue to play a 4-4-2 formation with Jude Bellingham at the head of the midfield diamond for the upcoming campaign.

"That means Vinicius and Mbappe can start in a two-pronged attack, like what Vinicius and Rodrygo have been doing this season."

Ancelotti will have a difficult time replacing Rodrygo, considering the Brazilian forward's pivotal role in Real's most recent Champions League victories.

The player who scored goals in each of this season's quarterfinal matchups against Manchester City would be left out by the Italian manager's decision. Furthermore, in order to make room for Vinicius, will Mbappe even accept Rodrygo's existing position as 'right forward'?

One may argue that, despite being the "right forward," Rodrygo hardly ever plays on the right wing. Ancelotti stated two seasons ago that the 23-year-old has "so much potential as a center forward or a second striker," suggesting that his position in Real's 4-3-1-2 is as central as it appears, which is ideal for Mbappe, who has always chosen the No. 9 role at PSG over a wide one.

Or may Ancelotti's ultra-attacking plan involve all four players—Mbappe, Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Bellingham—playing together? It wouldn't be an unfamiliar move, as he had used a 4-3-3 formation at Real Madrid for years prior to Benzema's departure.

"Rodrygo is more tactically flexible; he can play on the right, left, or as a No. 10," Hunter stated.

"With Mbappe in the middle and Vinicius and Rodrygo on the wings, he could play a 4-3-3 formation. However, he would have to give up a midfield player because they are so well-stocked in that position. That doesn't seem to happen very frequently."

This summer, Mbappe is not the only newcomer to Real Madrid; Brazilian sensation Endrick has also joined the team, adding yet another outstanding option. Expect the 17-year-old to weigh in on this discussion, considering his heroics for both club and country thus far.

But although everyone watches Mbappe, the teenager will grow in his own time. It is him that Real Madrid is bringing in to take control of Europe.

And what will the Spanish behemoths accomplish with him if they are already winning Champions League titles without him?