How the Spanish giants could lineup next term.
Bayern Munich have confirmed that midfielder Toni Kroos is joining Real Madrid and the German will add to what was already an extremely strong squad.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti will have a tough task on his hands to emulate the success of winning the Champions League and Copa del Rey in 2013/14, but with Kroos in the middle that has been made a whole lot easier.
Here is how Madrid’s XI could look in the upcoming season.
GK – Diego Lopez
Was preferred between the sticks to club captain Iker Casillas in La Liga last term and after the latter’s poor showing for Spain at the 2014 World Cup that doesn’t look set to change anytime soon.
RB – Daniel Carvajal
After an impressive year with Bayer Leverkusen, Los Blancos used their buyback option to re-sign the 22-year-old last summer and Carvajal continued his fine form back in the Spanish capital.
CB – Sergio Ramos
Although like national and club teammate Casillas this defender endured a difficult World Cup campaign, Ramos has proven over the past 12 months he is one of the finest centre-backs in Europe.
CB – Raphael Varane
The tournament in Brazil was a great platform to showcase the ups and downs of players’ careers and whilst Pepe was sent off for Portugal in embarrassing style, this 21-year-old shone for France and showed why he should be Ancelotti’s preferred choice alongside Ramos.
LB – Marcelo
It’s a close call between the Brazilian and Fabio Coentrao and despite his own World Cup disaster we expect the South American to get the nod for his athleticism and surging runs forward.
DM – Xabi Alonso
The elder statesman of the side now, even at 32-years-old the midfielder is still among the best passers in the game and can dictate play from just in front of the back four.
CM – Luka Modric
After struggling during his first year in Spain after a transfer from Tottenham Hotspur, Modric proved why Madrid had paid so much for him last campaign with his fine box-to-box performances.
CM – Toni Kroos
Despite the fact the new signing can operate almost anywhere in midfield, his best and most effective spot appears to be in the centre where the 24-year-old can pick out passes and surge forward at will.
RW – Gareth Bale
The most expensive player of all time enjoyed a good first season at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, helping them to two trophies with goals in two finals and generally looking every bit the world-class performer.
ST – Karim Benzema
Despite constant speculation surrounding his future Benzema is still one of the best finishers in the game and at the spearhead of an impressive front three should get plenty of opportunities to score.
LW – Cristiano Ronaldo
The current Ballon d’Or holder may have been fairly anonymous at the World Cup, but for his club Ronaldo is a scoring behemoth and in tandem with Bale could be almost unstoppable.
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