Arda Güler in midfield: Real Madrid test new XI ahead of Barcelona clash | OneFootball

The coaching staff at La Liga giants Real Madrid tested out a new-look line-up in training on Friday afternoon.

This, of course, comes ahead of a highly-anticipated friendly outing to come this weekend.

After falling to defeat in their pre-season opener against AC Milan earlier in the week, Real will be hoping to put things right in the early hours of Sunday, when they lock horns with arch rivals Barcelona in New Jersey.

Preparations for the matchup continued on Friday, as Carlo Ancelotti and his staff put Los Blancos’ stars through their paces on the training pitch.

And, in the midst of as much, one particular drill turned heads amongst the media presence in attendance.

During a match between ranks, a new-look XI was tested, which looks increasingly likely to be depended upon from the off for El Clásico.

The line-up, as per Relevo’s Jorge C Picon, featured a host of star names, from Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rüdiger to Luka Modrić.

The headline takeaways, though, came further forward.

This came with Rodrygo having slotted back into the XI, joined in attack by newcomer Endrick, and Brahim Díaz.

This meant that Arda Güler dropped into a deeper role, as an attack-minded midfielder backed by Modrić and Dani Ceballos.

It remains to be seen whether the Turk is utilised in this role on Sunday, but it is certainly a development to keep an eye on for those of a Real Madrid persuasion.

Conor Laird | GSFN