'%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)
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo had a stellar campaign under Ancelotti during the Italian's first stint with the club. The greatest goalscorer in Real Madrid's history helped Los Blancos reach the pinnacle of club football. The Portuguese superstar was undoubtedly the talisman for the Spanish giants during his nine-year stint. He scored a whopping 450 goals in just 438 appearances.
Ronaldo was a nightmare for defenders due to his goalscoring instincts, pace and dribbling, among other traits. The 36-year-old helped Real Madrid win two La Liga titles and four Champions League titles, among other notable honors. He also managed to win four Ballon d'Or awards for his exploits in the Spanish capital.
Although Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr. have been in fine form this campaign, Ronaldo is in a league of his own. Under Ancelotti's tutelage, the Portuguese formed a dangerous attacking trio 'BBC' with Gareth Bale and Benzema. The trio propelled Los Blancos to their 10th European crown.
Ronaldo, being the biggest asset during Ancelotti's previous stint, is surely a big name on this list.
#2 Guti
Carlo Ancelotti's love story with attacking midfielders is well known, as evident from James Rodriguez's presence in his tactical setup. Guti, one of Real Madrid's most criminally underrated players, fits the bill perfectly.
With 77 goals and 90 assists in over 500 appearances, Guti was a creative fulcrum of the Real Madrid side at times. The Spaniard was blessed with immaculate passing and slick movements, often rendering the opposition defender clueless.
Despite his supreme talents with the ball, Guti's eccentricity was a point of criticism during his tenure. However, Ancelotti would have absolutely extracted the best out of the midfielder considering how he prefers an attacking midfielder in his team. Guti, on the other hand, could have found consistency under Ancelotti.
#1 Zinedine Zidane
Arguably the greatest midfielder of the modern era, Zinedine Zidane personified grace and greatness when he was on the ball. The legendary Frenchman had the capability to do anything with the ball at his feet. This was evident from his majestic volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final.
Zidane possessed supreme tactical intelligence and technique, which made him torment opponent defenders with utter ease. During his five-year tenure with Real Madrid, the midfielder bagged 49 goals and provided 68 assists. But his impact cannot be measured with statistics.
Zidane worked as an assistant to Ancelotti at Real Madrid before the French genius went on to manage the club himself. He led Los Blancos to unprecedented glory. There is no doubt that the current boss would have loved Zidane as a player in the team.
