'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Since winning their 13th UEFA Champions League title in Kiev, Real Madrid has gone through many shocking as well as heart breaking events. Whether it was the unexpected resignation of their manager Zinedine Zidane or the departure of star and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Spanish capital was said to be in crisis by some, as the speculations over Marcelo and Gareth Bale's future started growing. Both of the players have expressed resentment towards the club over different issues.
As things stand now, Bale and Marcelo look set to stay at the club and work under the new manager Julen Lopetegui. Following the departure of Ronaldo to Juventus, it is quite obvious that Gareth Bale would be getting more playing time and a shining role under Lopetegui as he is known to orchestrate attacking football from the flanks using fullbacks.
But this does not cover the fact that Real Madrid has some voids in the squad which need to be filled so that the Los Blancos can continue with their Golden Era. And thus, restore their supremacy in Europe following Zidane’s and Ronaldo’s departure.
Let’s take a look at 3 players Real Madrid must sign to make them unstoppable:
#3 Thibaut Courtois
Even though Keylor Navas has led Real Madrid to 3 UCL titles, the goalkeeper seems to be pretty sloppy at times. Navas can make some great saves, but he fumbles at times which costs Real Madrid in their defensive set pieces. Also, his ball deliveries do no good to enhance the counters of Madrid.
Real Madrid desperately need a star shot stopper who could play well under pressure and is more immune to mistakes.
The 26 year old Chelsea shot stopper, Thibaut Courtois is not only a brilliant goalkeeper but can also help in the attacking build up as his long passing skills are exceptional and can start a counter attack from within the 18-yard box itself.
His reflexes are at their peak and the Belgian would be the right man to guard the Madrid goal post.
#2 Anthony Martial
The French forward despite not being selected for the France's World Cup winning squad, surely is a promising young talent and would be an asset for any attacking team in the world. Martial has been given very less playing time under his manager Jose Mourinho and reportedly, Chelsea is interested in signing the forward.
Instead of chasing Hazard, Real Madrid must try to sign Martial as he will be much cheaper and would suit the counter attacking Real Madrid side. He would attack from the left flank with his anomalous pace and dribbling skills.
Isco is playing well in Hazard's role. Having an in-form Isco in your squad and still chasing after Hazard is not a good option for Los Blancos.
Martial can fill the void left by Ronaldo at the left flank perfectly and is known for his goal scoring skills coming off the bench. An on-and-off Martial-Asensio duo would be a top notch threat for opponents.
#1 Mauro Icardi
The Inter Milan striker is a promising young striker and has top quality finishing abilities. Scoring twenty-nine goals in the last Serie A season, he has set the bar high for his transfer fee but that should not be a problem for the Spanish giants.
Karim Benzema has been out of form from the past two seasons and Real Madrid's attack was totally dependent on Cristiano Ronaldo, who has switched to Turin this month.
In terms of build up and creativity, Real Madrid is still a top class team with a perfect midfield. They have added fullbacks to the attack but Los Blancos are lacking in 'finishing' following Ronaldo's departure.
Icardi has pace, finishing skills, dribbling abilities and likes to cut inside from the flanks which makes him the favourite striker for Lopetegui's attacking tactics. He would surely suit well in the Madrid attacking third and would be an asset to the team.
Mauro Icardi is a player who specializes in coverting the chances into goals and he could very well restore the fear of Real Madrid in Europe which seems to be fading at the moment.
