"Please forfeit the match", "Doesn't have the legs" - Real Madrid fans worried as player starts in unfamiliar position against Manchester City in UCL

Real Madrid fans have concerns over Toni Kroos being selected in defensive midfield against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday(May 9). Carlo Ancelotti's men prevailed against City in last season's semifinals with a memorable 6-5 comeback aggregate win.

Ancelotti's team to face Manchester City at the Bernabeu has been reported by Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre. The Italian has opted to choose Thibaut Courtois in goal, with Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga in defence.

Meanwhile, Kroos is in defensive midfield, alongside Luka Modric and Federico Valverde. Karim Benzema leads the line alongside Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. However, it's Kroos' selection at defensive midfield that has caused worries among Real Madrid fans. The German has been an ever-present in Ancelotti's side this season, featuring 45 times across competitions, raking in seven-goal contributions.

He has played in defensive midfield 13 times, with Madrid only losing on one occasion. However, with Kroos now 33, some fans feel he may not have the legs to contend with City's midfield.

One fan is already admitting defeat due to Kroos starting in defensive midfield.

"Kroos as dm? Please forfeit the match."

Another fan thinks Kroos may run out of steam against the relentless Cityzens:

"But Kroos is the heart of that midfield is not setting right on me. He doesn't have the legs walahi."

Here's how Twitter reacted to the German midfielder being selected in defensive midfield:

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Andy Townsend struggles to pick Real Madrid player who would get into Manchester City's team

Townsend thinks only Vinicius is a certainty to make City's team.

Former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend has questioned the number of Real Madrid players who would get into Manchester City's team.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the pundit suggested that only Vinicius would get in City's side, while Benzema would not displace Erling Haaland:

"How many of the Madrid team get into City's team? Now there aint many, I dont think there's many at all. Normally you would say Benzema, how does Benzema get in over Haaland? He doesn't, does he? Does Vinicus get over Grealish?Yyou would probably say yes."

Townsend continued by assessment by comparing Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois with Manchester City shot-stopper Ederson:

"Courtois over Ederson, I personally think Courtois has got one in him now and again. He's a great goalie, but he does have a clanger there now and again."

Manchester City are flying and are unbeaten in 20 games across competitions. Haaland has been in prolific form, scoring a remarkable 51 goals in 46 games. Meanwhile, Benzema has managed 29 goals in 28 outings.

Vinicius is regarded by many as the best winger in world football. The Brazilian has enjoyed his best season, chipping in with 43 goal contributions in 50 games. Yet, Jack Grealish has games in fine form with the English attacker managing 16 goal contributions in 45 matches.

Courtois has been vital for Real Madrid, keeping 16 clean sheets in 42 games. However, Ederson has been at his best, with as many clean sheets in 43 games. It is difficult to pick the better of the two goalkeepers.