Ancelotti's new-look Real Madrid is still in search of its new style. The Italian manager's formation is a radical change from the way the team played under Mourinho for the last three seasons.

The change partly affects the formation, but also the individual pieces on the pitch and one of those pieces is Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese is prepared to take on a new role proposed by the Italian in the starting-eleven.

Ronaldo always played more on the left and ran into space under Mourinho and his statistics in the position speak for themselves. He has beaten all the records and has the best goal-per-game average in the entire history of Real Madrid – with over one goal per game.

The forward is used to using his pace and strength on the wings, with the space ahead to run into. Under his compatriot Mourinho, Ronaldo would sprint on goal for 50 metres, but now it seems he will be used in a more central role behind the striker and closer to the area under Ancelotti. This appears to be the case from the first training sessions and friendlies under the new coach.

The potential arrival of Bale could also confirm this theory. The Welshman is a similar player to the Portuguese, and the gap left by Ronaldo could be taken by Bale.

Ancelotti has said that Ronaldo's game will not change too much. However, the differences in the new formation can be clearly seen and the Italian seems to be playing the matter down rather than accepting the reality.