La Liga 2018/19: Real Madrid's predicted XI for the season | Sportsmonks
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La Liga 2018/19: Real Madrid’s predicted XI for the season

Real Madrid begin their post-Ronaldo era, and Julien Lopetegui has a big task on his hand. The Spanish giants have not been able to get their top targets so far but are not giving up on them.

Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard and Harry Kane still on their wishlist but the manager has insisted that he does not need reinforcements and that he has enough quality in the squad already.

Here’s Real Madrid’s predicted XI for the 2018/19 season:

Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas

Madrid are in the market for a new keeper and were close to completing a deal for Thibaut Courtois. However, a move did not materialise, and it looks like Keylor Navas will retain his spot in the side. Navas kept seven clean sheets in La Liga last season but will be looking to improve that number this time around.

Right back: Dani Carvajal

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The arrival of Alvaro Odriozola will provide healthy competition to Dani Carvajal, but the Spaniard is expected to be the first choice, at least at the start of the season. Carvajal has been one of Madrid’s unsung heroes, his performances often flying under the radar. Madrid often struggled in his absence last season, with Hakimi failing to cement his place in the side.

Centre-back: Sergio Ramos

The first name on the team sheet without a doubt. The captain led from the front last season, captaining the side to yet another Champions League title. Ramos is the backbone of the Madrid side, and with Cristiano Ronaldo gone, the onus will be on him to step up for his side.

Centre back: Raphael Varane

Varane has developed into one of the best centre-backs in Europe. He starred for France in their World Cup triumph and was one of their top performers over the duration of the competition. Varane has a tremendous physical presence, is a brilliant reader of the game and doesn’t launch into tackles; all qualities of a top-quality centre back. He has hardly any discernible weaknesses and is destined for greatness at Madrid.

Left-back: Marcelo

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Marcelo is unarguably the best left-back in world football at the moment, and he has shown that time and again at Madrid over the years. He runs down the left-hand flank play a vital role in helping unlock defences of the teams that are content to sit back and absorb pressure. While his defensive prowess has taken a hit in recent years, his link-up play and crossing ability are second to none in La Liga.

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CDM: Casemiro

Possibly one of Real Madrid’s most important players after Cristiano Ronaldo last season, Casemiro was instrumental in shielding his defence and breaking play high up the field. He was also crucial for Brazil in the World Cup, and his absence was felt in the game against Belgium, when the midfield was overrun, resulting in their unceremonious exit from the competition. Casemiro averaged over three tackles and two interceptions per game last season, one of the highest in the top-flight.

CM: Toni Kroos

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Toni Kroos had an extremely disappointing World Cup campaign with Germany and was at fault for most of their goals; however, he remains one of the best central midfielders in the world. Kroos played a prominent role in Madrid’s Champions League victory last season and will be looking to lead them to their fifth title in six years.

CM: Luka Modric

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Modric is ageing like fine wine. He seems to be getting better with each passing season and shows no sign of slowing down. He was at his peak during the World Cup for Croatia, bagging the Golden Ball award. Rumours have linked him with a move to Inter this summer, but Florentino Perez quashed those rumours, slapping an outrageous 700m price tag on his head. That indicates Modric is set to remain at the club for at least one more season and will be the leader of Madrid’s midfield heading into the new season.

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Left wing: Isco

With the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as Real Madrid manager, Isco is sure to be a starter. Isco has always been a favourite of Lopetegui and will play a prominent role this season. This could be the season that defines the Spaniard’s career and cements his legacy at Madrid.

Right wing: Gareth Bale

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Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, Gareth Bale is expected to step up and become Madrid’s marquee player. Bale had announced his intentions to leave the club due to a lack of game time but after receiving assurances concerning his future at the club, is ready to lead Madrid’s attack in their post-Ronaldo era. Bale can be devastating when on song and will be looking to capture some of his 2013/14 form.

Striker: Karim Benzema

Despite all the criticism levelled at Benzema, he is likely to be Madrid’s first-choice this season as well. Madrid have failed to secure a world-class striker in the market leaving the side with very few options. Borja Mayoral is far from Madrid calibre and will be unable to usurp Benzema from the side. Benzema enjoyed a prolific partnership with Ronaldo the past few seasons, but with him gone it remains to be seen how he links up with the likes of Bale and Isco.

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