4 Reasons why Real Madrid will be as strong as ever

Real Madrid v Club Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League Final
Real Madrid still have the best midfield in the world

Real Madrid suffered the biggest shock of the transfer window. Their main man, Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus, leaving a lot of pundits and fans stunned alike. Naturally, this triggered a lot of transfer rumors, with Real Madrid linked with all the rising stars such as Hazard, Neymar, Mbappe amongst others to be the man who’ll replace their talisman.

A month later, here we are, with the 13-time UCL Champions nowhere close to bringing any of the rumored replacements. Furthermore, it looks like there won’t be one.

Los Blancos are set to enter the new season with a new and rather unproven manager, their main man gone, and no new accomplished signings. Consequently, many are writing off Real Madrid. This season, very few believe that Real would be a threat in Europe.

However, that would be a mistake of the gravest order. The Bernabeu outfit may be in transition, but their squad remains one of the world’s best. Here are four reasons, why this team is going to be a force to reckon with this season.


#1 The midfield is still as amazing as ever

It is almost hilarious that people are writing off a team, which has a midfield consisting of the golden ball winner Luka Modric, the ever-accurate Toni Kroos, the magical Isco Alarcon, and the workhorse Casemiro.

Their attack may appear weak to many, but there is no denying that their middle of the park is one of the world’s best, maybe even the world’s best.

The stability the midfield offers to 'the whites' has been the most significant reason why Madrid have been successful in Europe over the last three seasons.

Although Toni Kroos had a disappointing world cup with Germany, the last gasp winner against Sweden is still fresh in the minds of everyone.

Luka Modric was phenomenal in the world cup, leading Croatia to the World Cup finals unbeaten, before eventually succumbing to France. The winner of the golden ball, Luka has had one of the best seasons of his career.

Isco was one of the few bright spots in the dismissal Spanish world cup campaign, weaving his way into the opposing defensive lines.

With the midfield set to remain constant, one can certainly confirm that the midfield is one place Los Merengues will have absolutely no problems if they remain healthy.

#2 Real Madrid have been intelligent in the transfer window

Flamengo v Bahia - Brasileirao Series A 2018
Vinicius Jr is a Bright Prospect

Not many people will say that Real Madrid have had a good summer transfer window. Actually, very few will say so. Since they lost the best player in the world, it would not be grossly incorrect to claim that either.

However, 'the whites' have been very wise as well. They have not panicked and have chosen to go for players like Vinicius and Rodrygo Goes, who have the potential to become world beaters.

Plus, the senior players can mentor them into unlocking their potential. This is very wise, as many expected a marquee spending as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. Vinicius and Rodrygo will reward Real Madrid in the long run.

Vinicius will be a real force to be reckoned with in the future. He has quick feet, flamboyance, positional sense and a good presence of mind. Finishing is the only attribute where he must improve. If he can stay focused, the sky is the limit for this lad.

Real have saved a lot of money, and have been successful in recruiting players who can easily be one of the world’s best. Moreover, having held on to bright prospects like Dani Ceballos and Mateo Kovacic means Real will have quality youngsters to back on.

The loss of CR7 is obviously a huge one, but one which the Los Blancos have treated as a blessing in disguise.

#3 Lopetegui is likely to create a system similar to his Spain

Spain v Israel - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier
Julen Lopetegui had created a successful system in Spain

The European Champions have had great success in the recent past. However, that has been achieved simply with the drive to succeed combined with the quality of players. The Bernabeu outfit hasn't had a constant system which they abide by, as their game largely relies on quick counterattacks or consistent crosses.

Their new coach Lopetegui's Spanish side did have a certain system, which largely consisted of maintaining possession and create chances through slow build-up.

Los Blancos have the players to make the system work. Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Marco Asensio, Isco Alarcon, and Mateo Kovacic are all good passers of the ball and have the ability to keep the ball in possession.

Lopetegui’s appointment as the manager is a sensible and smart decision by Florentino Perez, which could serve them well. His system kept Spain unbeaten in his tenure. Plus, the main man in his system is in Real Madrid, which brings me to my point on the next slide.

#4 Isco is the main man in Lopetegui’s system

Spain v Italy - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier
Isco reached new heights under Juan in Spain

Lopetegui’s Spain was unbeaten and brushed away the opponents with ease. In his second last match, Spain demolished Argentina 6-1. This speaks volumes about the playing style Lopetegui had created.

The main man in the Spanish side was Isco Alarcon. The system seemed to bring the best out of him, as Isco dropped world-class performances consistently in every match Spain played. His skill set of exceptional dribbling and a great eye for a pass helped him flourish in Lopetegui’s system.

Cristiano might have been the main man for Real Madrid for the past few years, but Isco has been the main man under their present manager. So, if Julen Lopetegui opts to use that system, (which is highly likely to happen) Isco would certainly be the focal point of that arrangement and could replicate his astonishing performances in the national team.

Plus, the support of Asensio and a great passer like Karim Benzema could only work in Isco's favor.

Quick Links

Edited by Abhinav Munshi