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After Real Madrid's draw against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, it is now safe to say that Santiago Solari has already made a positive impact to Los Blancos. Thanks to the Argentinian, Madrid are now unbeaten in 6 consecutive matches.
Solari's lineup changes have proven vital in achieving these impressive results. Several of Zinedine Zidane's former key men are now regularly benched, especially in La Liga matches. On the other hand, several young players like Vinicius Junior and Sergio Reguilon are gradually becoming Madrid's most important players.
In the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus and the emergence of new young players, the departure of several Madrid players who a season ago still served as Zidane's most important men looks imminent. Here, we take a look at 3 of those former Zidane favorites who currently don't seem to have a future under the new Real Madrid coach.
#1 Keylor Navas
It is no secret that Navas was the indisputable number one choice for goalkeeping when playing under Zidane. A regular in both LaLiga and Champions League the last 3 seasons, Navas was vital for Zidane in winning many major trophies.
Last season, Navas' excellent form in latter stages of the Champions League helped Madrid to win the tournament. Unfortunately though, his role has been reduced from Madrid's LaLiga main man to a mere Copa del Rey starter after Courtois' arrival.
Navas recently signed a contract extension, but a report suggests that this could just be a preparation for his eventual departure.
After winning 3 consecutive Champions League titles, Navas will always be remembered as Real Madrid's hero even if he leaves.
#2 Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale was already a Real Madrid regular long before Zidane's appointment as head coach. Joining from Tottenham Hotspur for a record transfer fee in 2013, Bale has put in massive contributions for Madrid over the years.
While his relationship with Zidane was not great, he was still a vital player for the Frenchman.
Last season, Bale won many crucial points for Zidane in LaLiga, scoring 16 goals from 26 appearances. Many also remember Bale for his impressive performance in the 2017-18 Champions League final, where he scored 2 goals including a spectacular overhead-kick.
But Bale's form has dipped this season, and it doesn't like his injury record will get any better. Overshadowed by Vinicius, Bale has started just once in his last 4 matches.
If the bad form continues, it will be just a matter of time before the Welshman leaves Bernabeu.
#3 Marcelo
No one can deny what Marcelo has done for Real Madrid since joining from Fluminense in 2007. Many regarded him as the best left-back in the world, and he has already won everything with the club.
Marcelo has been Madrid's number one left-back for many years, and he remained that in Zidane's three-year tenure as head coach. Unfortunately though, things seem to have taken a turn for the worse following Solari's appointment.
Ever since his form plummeted in LaLiga this season, Marcelo is yet to become a starter again for the team.
Sergio Reguilon is Madrid's new rising star at the left-back, which leaves Copa del Rey as Marcelo's only chance to have game time. A report has even said that Marcelo could move in the summer, with Juventus being his most likely destination.
