What a story it has been for Real Madrid since they parted ways with Rafael Benitez and turned towards their very own football’s golden boy Zinedine Zidane! The Los Blancos were totally out of the equation for the La Liga title when Zizou took charge of the club but the Spanish capital club managed to take the title race to Barcelona to the very last wire and eventually finished the season just one point behind the La Liga winners. The Frenchman also delivered Real Madrid La Undecima, their 11th Champions League title.
Just like Zizou used to showcase his magic every time he stepped on the pitch as a player, his early success as a manager indicates that the legend of world football could very well be a legendary manager as well. In his first full season in charge, Zidane will have his eyes on the domestic crown putting an end to Barcelona’s dominance in Spanish football. Real Madrid already won their first piece of silverware this season beating Europa League holders Sevilla in UEFA Super Cup.
Real Madrid start their domestic campaign with a tough away tie against Real Sociedad and Zidane will be looking to start the season on a strong note. Here is the predicted Real Madrid lineup against Real Sociedad.
Defence
Keylor Navas is doubtful for the game with an Achilles injury. The Costa Rican international is unlikely to be risked to the starting XI meaning that Kiko Casilla will start the game. Real Madrid have almost a clean bill of health in defence apart from Fabio Coentrao. Dani Carvajal is likely to start in the right-back position while Marcelo is the obvious choice on the opposite flank. Pepe had a lot of football while representing Portugal in the Euros and eventually winning it. The 33-year-old is likely to make the bench as Varane and skipper Ramos start at the heart of the defence.
Midfield
Casemiro has been an instrumental figure under Zidane and the Brazilian international will start as the defensive midfielder. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will start as the two box to box midfielders ahead of Casemiro. James Rodriguez, despite being fit, will make the bench only as there is no room for him in Zidane’s 4-3-3 system. The same goes for Isco too.
Attack
Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to start on the two flanks. Both had incredible Euro campaigns for their respective nations while the latter won it. Despite not having too much action in the pre-season, the duo are assured starters. Alvaro Morata is likely to lead the line ahead of Karim Benzema.
