Real Madrid started off their first full season under France legend, Zinedine Zidane and hopes were high after a tumultuous last season where the controversial decision to appoint Rafa Benitez ended with the Spaniard being expectedly fired midway. The board turned to Zidane which was greeted with approval from the players and fans alike and the subsequent months vindicated the decision. Real recovered from a seemingly lost season and pushed Barcelona till the end while also winning the Champions League defeating arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the final.
We are 7 matches into the season and on early evidence, this year is going to be the most competitive La Liga in a long time. No team has looked light weight and all the big teams have dropped a considerable number of points till now. Real started with a bang setting the pace in the league but have slightly tailed away in recent weeks.
They are currently in the 2nd position with 15 points from 7 games and have noticeably dropped 6 points already. With the transfer ban in place, Los Blancos have to formulate their strategies with the current players on their roster. The players have to look after themselves as any injury will be a blow to the team as we have seen with Casemiro recently.
T4O’s PREDICTED LINE-UP WHEN FULLY FIT (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Keylor Navas has made a comeback but hasn’t yet looked completely at ease and needs to step up his performances. Daniel Carvajal is the first choice right back and will look to ward off the challenge of Danilo. Sergio Ramos is the captain and one of the first names on the team sheet. There has been a shift with regard to his partner with Raphael Varane emerging as a more able alternative to Pepe and we will be seeing more of Varane from now on. Marcelo will be the undisputed left-back when fit.
MIDFIELD
The triumvirate of Casemiro, Kroos and Modric has been imperious this season and Casemiro’s return will probably see an upturn in Real Madrid’s form. He has protected the back four efficiently and his absence has coincided with a run of drawn games for Real.
ATTACK
Cristiano Ronaldo has regained his fitness and will be looking to emerge as the top scorer in the division once more. Benzema has competition in the form of Morata now and has to step up his performances in order to hold on to his position. Gareth Bale has stepped up admirably in Ronaldo’s absence in the beginning of the season and will look to have another prolific season.
