Pellegrini only plays 4-2-2-2 or 4-2-3-1.

Xabi Alonso would come in for Gago, obviously.

And Marcelo's place isn't safe at left-back.

4-2-2-2.

I think Ronaldo don't wanna play MC.


4-2-2-2




----------Raul----Benzema--------
---Ronaldo----------------Kaka---

:)

------------benzema--------------

---ronaldo---kaka-----robben

What Aras is pointing out is very valid. You cannot have Ronaldo in the middle and Raul on the flank.

@ Aras,

Pellegrini won't play Ronaldo anywhere else other than as: a) second striker in 4-2-2-2, b) No.10 in a 4-2-3-1 or c) main striker in either system (less likely given that Ronaldo himself doesn't like being a target man and that Benzema will surely be the No.9 regardless of which system.)

As for my inclusion of Raul, believe me...I'd have him on the bench or out the door, but rather than fantasy football, I was trying to give a realistic idea of Pellegrini's options considering a) his own preferences for organising teams, and b) the restrictions imposed on him from his superiors, ie; who should start,, etc.

Well, if Pellegrini hopes that he'll play these world stars anywhere he likes, his time at the helm will be short lived.

kaka to the place of ronaldo. ronaldo to right and robben to left raul to bench.
if u have to use raul, i think:

Raul
Benzema---Kaka---Ronaldo
(benzema and raul might swap)

I honestly believe Pellegrini might play a 4-2-3-1, with Ronaldo out on the wing, Kaka in the center, & maybe even Robben outside as well if he stays. It's a funny situation w/ Raul, as he is the embodiment of Real Madrid, but I think Raul's role will be to motivate from the bench & become a super-sub in some respects. The problem is keeping everyone happy, something I believe Pellegrini won't be able to do, as w/ his fallout w/ Riquelme at Villareal.

Raul said as much some 12-18 months ago, that he was perfectly aware his playing time would become limited as he headed into his 30s.

Having 2 holding midfielders and playing 3 behind a striker is certainly the popular system in recent times so there's a good chance Pellegrini would seriously look at that if they secure Alonso.
:-)