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.
Midfield:
Although this could go any way, Real Madrid could field an incredibly strong-looking duo of new signing Toni Kroos alongside Sami Khedira in the centre of midfield. The pair will know each other well from their time together with the German national side, and looked formidable as a combination for Joachim Low’s team as they won the World Cup in Brazil this summer. Despite Khedira’s fears that he may no longer get a game at the Bernabeu with so many players competing for places in this position, the Arsenal target still looks one of the best the club have to offer in that role.
Attack:
Arguably the stand-out performer at this summer’s World Cup, there is no doubt that £63m signing James Rodriguez will go straight into the Real Madrid starting lineup after completing his move from AS Monaco this summer. The Colombian international looks like having all the required quality to become a key player for this side, and he should link up well in a mouth-watering attack alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, with Karim Benzema to aim for upfront.
Real Madrid 1st XI in full:
Goalkeeper and defence:
Despite his legendary status in the game, it seems probable that the long-serving Iker Casillas will be back on the bench this season after being in and out of the side for poor form for much of the last two years or so. Still, the Spaniard makes a great backup option for the club, who could also field the likes of Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Coentrao as their second-choice full-backs, with a pairing of young duo Raphael Varane and Nacho at centre-back.
Midfield:
Another fine selection in central midfield, with these two likely to compete for starting spots on a regular basis, Real Madrid could also field both Xabi Alonso and Asier Illarramendi in the middle of the park as an alternative to German duo Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos. Both possess great passing ability from a deep-lying playmaker role, and would get into most other teams around Europe on a regular basis.
Attack:
In another potentially world class attacking midfield trio, Real Madrid have Angel Di Maria, Isco and Luka Modric waiting in the wings as another immense selection of players to pick behind their main striker. They also have the injured youngster Jese Rodriguez as a good backup to Karim Benzema, and he could play a part in the team this season if he maintains the fine form he showed at points last season.
Real Madrid 2nd XI in full:
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