Real Madrid have never been afraid to splash the cash on football's biggest names but even by their standards, this summer is turning out to be one of the biggest in the club's history. Having already signed one of the best players at the World Cup in Toni Kroos, they have added Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez to their ranks.
James' rise has been continual. He started off at his local club Envigado back in Colombia before Argentinean outfit Banfield snapped him up. He was an instant hit with the club. After two seasons, Porto had been alerted by this emerging talent and he only got better at the Portuguese club, winning many trophies at club level and awards on a personal level. It was last summer that Monaco signed the Colombian and James has moved to a club undeniably on the world stage.
The 23-year-old has not hidden his admiration for Madrid and it was his performances at the World Cup in Brazil that wowed the world. Playing in the number 10 role, he dictated games, working between the lines and picking defences apart. His vision is an asset and he seems to have the game mapped out in his head before he gets the ball. James’ goal of the tournament against Uruguay confirms as much.
The pressure is already on with the price tag on his head and the expectation of the world on his shoulders to perform but where will he fit in? It could be argued he wasn't an essential signing but that has never stopped Los Blancos. It leaves Carlo Ancelotti with a wealth of options and the competition for places is good but it will be tough to keep everyone happy.
The Italian is likely to return to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Smai Khedira, Kroos, Luka Modric and Asier Illarramendi battling it out for two starting spots. With question marks over Khedira's future and Xabi Alonso's poor performances in Brazil, on current form Kroos would be expected to start alongside Modric, leaving three top class midfielders playing second fiddle. The two lack a little defensive ability but in a League where Real Madrid dominate the overwhelming majority of games, attack is the best form of defence.
That leaves the front men, the three attacking midfielders and the lone striker. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are certain starters and James also must be there too, with Karim Benzema leading the line. The trio will interchange throughout games, leaving Angel Di Maria and Isco on the bench, his career only going backwards and the addition of James will increase concerns for his future. Meanwhile the speculation over Di Maria's future continues and he looks set for the exit.
The spending won't stop either, with Radamel Falcao and Keylor Navas rumoured to be the next of the galactic signings this summer to complete a stunning squad, making them the team to beat once again in Europe. They are certainly strengthening when they are at the top of their game.
