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The year 2021 was neither here nor there for Real Madrid. They failed to retain their La Liga title in 2020-21 and were thoroughly beaten by eventual winners Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final.
However, they have started well this season and are currently eight points clear at the top of the La Liga table, having played one game more than second-placed Sevilla. They also topped their Champions League group and are preparing for their Champions League Round of 16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
A year without a trophy may very well be considered a failure in Real Madrid’s books, but on closer inspection, you’ll find more positives than negatives.
Here are the five biggest positives, five standout players, for Real Madrid in 2021:
#5 Luka Modric
The only Ballon d’Or winner in Real Madrid right now, Luka Modric, is nothing short of a biological anomaly. The former Tottenham Hotspur star has been performing consistently since making the switch in 2012, and that didn’t change in 2021.
Modric shone as brightly as ever in 2021, in almost every single Real Madrid game, and against all odds. He has made 18 appearances in all competitions this season, providing five assists.
The Croatian played alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro at the heart of Real Madrid's midfield. Modric was responsible for carrying the ball from one end to another, and he did it with unreal ease and poise.
His passing was extraordinary as ever, he covered brilliantly for Real Madrid’s flying right-backs, and the 36-year-old was never afraid to shoot from range.
Real Madrid are reportedly working on extending Modric's contract for another year. Given the form he is in, we believe it is in the club’s best interest to wrap it up as soon as possible.
#4 Eder Militao
The summer of 2021 was immensely eventful for Eder Militao. The Brazilian saw Real Madrid lose their top two centre-backs, Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos, and desperately needed someone to plug the vacuum.
Militao, who signed for Real Madrid in 2019 from Porto, had the opportunity to make himself useful, and that’s exactly what he did in 2021.
Alongside David Alaba, Militao has turned Real Madrid into a solid defensive unit. The Brazil international is strong in the air, freakishly quick, and doesn’t lunge in unless the situation absolutely demands it.
In 2021, Militao saved Real Madrid’s blushes time and again. From crucial interceptions to last-ditch tackles, the former Porto man did it all with confidence.
The defender took part in 39 of Real Madrid’s last 40 games, helping the team avoid defeat in 36 of them. Militao proved his haters wrong with surefooted performances throughout 2021 and Los Blancos will hope for more of the same in 2022.
#3 Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid left-winger Vinicius Junior was already a stunning footballer before Carlo Ancelotti took over for the second time in 2021. However, under him, the Brazilian youngster has become one of the best in the business.
There is hardly a better dribbler than Vinicius in the world right now. He is lightning quick, can beat almost any defender one-on-one, and has finally acquired the ability to apply the finishing touch.
In 2021, Vinicius went from being a world-class talent to a world-class footballer.
The Brazilian youngster scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 25 games across all competitions this season.
Vinicius will end 2021 as Real Madrid’s second-leading goal-contributor behind Karim Benzema.
#2 Thibaut Courtois
In 2018, Real Madrid keeper Keylor Navas seemed to be at the top of his game. The Costa Rican had just won his third consecutive Champions League with Real Madrid and looked to be an untouchable asset.
But club president Florentino Perez supposedly did not get the memo and signed World Cup 2018’s Golden Glove winner Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea.
Madrid fans did not give him the warmest of receptions and his performances were nowhere as good as Real Madrid expected. It took time for him to get his confidence back, but once he did, there was no turning back.
Over the last couple of years, Thibaut Courtois made some inhumane stops, often keeping Real Madrid in the game all by himself. Courtois has rarely put a step wrong in 2021 and will finish the year with 24 clean sheets in all competitions.
#1 Karim Benzema
Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in 2018, Karim Benzema has been leading Real Madrid from the front. The Frenchman, now 34, enjoyed a stellar year for Los Blancos and was by far their best performer.
With Marcelo reduced to a fringe player, Benzema practically took the captain’s armband from Sergio Ramos after the Spaniard’s departure in the summer of 2021.
Assuming leadership, Benzema took on some of the best teams in 2021 and always managed to put on a respectable show.
Despite not being the quickest forward out there, Benzema always managed to make space for himself. His movement remains unpredictable as ever, his shooting just as sharp, and his contribution to Madrid’s build-up play has only improved.
In 2021, Benzema scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists for Real Madrid in La Liga alone, emerging as the division’s highest goal contributor.
