Two possible Madrid XI’s for 2014/15.
Real Madrid are no strangers to world class players, and they once again find themselves with an abundance of talent going into the new season, with CaughtOffside looking at two possible XI’s they could field that would both be up there with the best in Europe.
The Spanish giants have spent big as ever this summer, bringing in both Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez after the two enjoyed superb World Cup campaigns for Germany and Colombia, respectively. However, it is also the players that they now look set to keep hold of that sets them apart from many of the best teams around the world.
Despite strong interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, Carlo Ancelotti insists that Sami Khedira will not be leaving the club this summer even as he enters the final year of his contract, and he should provide another quality option in the middle of the park.
Elsewhere, the club are also keen to keep hold of Argentine winger Angel Di Maria, who has been targeted by both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in this transfer window, leaving Ancelotti with six outstanding attacking midfielders to choose from behind his main striker. How he fits them all in is up to him, but here’s a look at the club’s options in each position:
Goalkeeper and defence:
One would expect new goalkeeper signing Keylor Navas to become first choice for Real Madrid after some poor recent form from Iker Casillas. The Costa Rica international impressed for Levante last season and for his national side at the World Cup this summer. Elsewhere, Daniel Carvajal is likely to get the nod at right-back, with Marcelo first choice on the left-hand side, and a first-choice pairing of Pepe and Sergio Ramos in the centre.