Real Madrid Tactical Analysis: José Mourinho's 4-2-3-1

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After a successful first season in charge of Real Madrid, manager José Mourinho will be looking to win more titles in the upcoming campaign.

With the arrival of five new signings, the Portuguese tactician will have to reconsider the team's tactics and formations.

Madrid predominantly used a 4-2-3-1 last year. Mourinho's starting XI will be returning this season, which could provide much needed continuity to the club.

The manager will have to evaluate the current squad, and decide whether to stay with the same formation or switch to a new system.

Here is a tactical analysis of Real Madrid and Mourinho's 4-2-3-1.

Pros

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Pros: 

•  -Defensive solidity
•  -Fluid movement among the four attackers
•  -Natural width
•  -Strong in transition
•  -Allows for creative freedom in final third
•  -Continuity

Mourinho's 4-2-3-1 was a success in the Spanish capital last year. Although Madrid lost to Barcelona in the Champions League semifinals and finished second in La Liga, the club was crowned Copa del Rey champions for the 18th time.

Los Blancos found a perfect balance between attack and defense. With Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira shielding the back-four, Mourinho had a solid foundation to support his talented attackers.

With the starting XI returning to the Spanish capital, Mourinho has the opportunity to build off last season's success. By staying with the same formation, he has the opportunity to instill some continuity to an ever-evolving club.

Cons

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Cons:

• -Lone striker can be isolated
• -Possible to get overwhelmed in midfield
• -Wide players must track back defensively
• -Two defensive midfielders have many responsibilities:
• -Shield the back-four
• -Distribute from the back
• -Close down opposing midfielders
• -Cover for attacking fullbacks

Although Madrid had a great season with the 4-2-3-1 formation, there were areas that needed improvement. With last year's squad, Mourinho was unable to field an ideal starting XI for the system.

When Gonzalo Higuain was sidelined due to injury, Karim Benzema was forced into the first team. The Frenchman was not the ideal choice to play as the lone striker, but Madrid lacked depth upfront.

The 4-2-3-1's success directly relates to the two defensive midfielders. Alonso and Khedira were solid throughout the season. However, when Madrid faced off with Barcelona, Mourinho chose to deploy another defensive midfielder to prevent the team from being overwhelmed in the middle.

While Alonso and Khedira were a great duo in midfield, they lacked the quickness and tackling technique to form an elite partnership.

Mourinho has not signed an ideal defensive midfield partner for Alonso, which could give Madrid similar problems in the 2011-12 campaign.

Impact of Nuri Şahin and Fabio Coentrão

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If Mourinho continues with his 4-2-3-1 formation next season, Nuri Şahin will struggle to get regular first-team football.

The new signing does not have the physicality or tenacity to play alongside Alonso as a defensive midfielder. Although Sahin reads the game well and has good tackling timing, the Turkish star would be unable to fill in for Khedira as the more defensive option in midfield.

Sahin has the passing and creativity to play in Ozil’s position as the traditional No. 10 or central attacking midfielder. While he has the technical ability to thrive in the position, he is more of a natural central midfielder than trequartista or playmaker.

In addition, Sahin does not provide the fluid attacking movement of Ozil, which is essential to the 4-2-3-1’s success in the final third. The Turkish international would make Madrid much more static if he plays as the attacking midfield playmaker.

Fabio Coentrão could play a significant role for Madrid in the upcoming campaign. Although Marcelo is coming off his best season with the club, Mourinho has stated his desire to improve defensively at the left-back position.

Coentrão has all the tools to be Madrid's starting left-back. The Portuguese international has a good balance of attacking and defensive abilities. While Marcelo is arguably the best left-back in football going forward, Mourinho could prefer Coentrão for his better defensive instincts.

The new left-back would be a welcomed addition to a first-team squad full of Portuguese stars. Coentrão could play alongside Ricardo Carvalho and behind Cristiano Ronaldo, in Madrid's starting XI. Mourinho will be hoping the left-back can build a lethal partnership down the flank with compatriot and star winger Ronaldo.

Probable Starting XI

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Real Madrid Probable Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas

Right-back: Sergio Ramos

Centre-back: Pepe

Centre-back: Ricardo Carvalho

Left-back: Fabio Coentrão

Defensive Midfielder: Xabi Alonso

Defensive Midfielder: Sami Khedira

Central Attacking Midfielder: Mesut Özil

Right-winger: Ángel di María

Left-winger: Cristiano Ronaldo

Striker: Karim Benzema