'%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)
Real Madrid fans are on top of the world right now and their elation is understandable. Los Blancos are first in the La Liga table and are threatening to put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack.
Meanwhile, bitter rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have endured disastrous seasons. The duo are closer to the relegation zone than they are to catching Real Madrid at the top. The double-digit deficit between Los Blancos and their rivals is historic.
While Atletico limped through the Champions League group stage, Barcelona were dumped out of the competition. Real Madrid, on the other hand, breezed through to the knockout round and were rewarded with a blockbuster Round of 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
Real Madrid have not missed a beat this season despite the high-profile exits in the summer
Real Madrid's summer ahead of the 2021-22 season was anything but easy. The club exercised restraint in the transfer market and refrained from splurging extravagant sums.
Meanwhile, Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos, who were at the heart of Los Blancos' four Champions League triumphs in 2010s, departed the club. Manager Zinedine Zidane also chose to walk away abruptly, leaving Real Madrid in a spot of bother.
Under Carlo Ancelotti, though, Los Blancos have been unstoppable. Several talented youngsters stepped up to fill the void left behind by the old guard.
One that note, we look at five players who could usher Real Madrid into another golden period.
#5 Eder Militao
With Sergio Ramos missing the majority of the 2020-21 season with various injuries, the onus was on Eder Militao to step up to the fore. The 23-year-old Brazilian centre-back did not disappoint, displaying authority and composure in the absence of the Real Madrid skipper.
With Ramos and Varane now gone, Militao has joined forces with David Alaba to become the voice of the Real Madrid backline. Los Blancos have conceded 16 goals in 19 La Liga games this season, which is the second-best defensive record in the league. With 65 club appearances to go with 19 caps for Brazil, Eder Militao's experience has played a big role in the team's solidity at the back.
#4 Federico Valverde
In a Los Blancos midfield that boasts the likes of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, it is no surprise that Fede Valverde slips under the radar. The 23-year-old Uruguay international has, however, steadily racked up appearances for Real Madrid with remarkable consistency.
Valverde is an all-action midfielder with plenty of industry, a high motor and a willingness to cover every blade of grass on the pitch. He isn't afraid to get on the ball either and is always available for a pass.
With 121 appearances for Real Madrid and 35 Uruguay caps, the midfielder continues to grow in influence. He looks to become a key player in the squad, especially as Modric approaches the final stages of his career.
#3 Rodrygo
Eyebrows were raised when Real Madrid signed Brazilian winger Rodrygo from Santos for a reported £40 million in the summer of 2019. Now in his third season at the Santiago Bernabeu, the 20-year-old has amassed 79 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 10 goals while providing 14 assists.
Real Madrid have been patient with Rodrygo, who has been shuffled around to accommodate the likes of Eden Hazard, Marcos Asensio and Lucas Vasquez. He was previously known for his directness and trickery. But the Brazilian has been praised for his work rate and effort instead, indicating a willingness to add to his game.
Rodrygo will now aim to emulate compatriot Vinicius Junior and take his game to the next level after consolidating his place in the Real Madrid set-up.
#2 Eduardo Camavinga
It is no secret that Real Madrid have been saving funds over the last few transfer windows in the hopes of signing Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The fact that Florentino Perez still decided to shell out £35 million for Eduardo Camavinga is a glowing endorsement of the Frenchman's talent.
The midfielder, who turned 19 only last month, had already made 88 appearances for Rennes before joining Real Madrid earlier this year. Since then, he's played 17 games for Los Blancos and has also earned three caps for France. Often compared to Paul Pogba, Real Madrid's lanky teenage sensation is an impressive mix of strength, power and skill on the ball.
Camavinga was targeted by the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain last summer. He is expected to develop into one of the most complete players in the world.
#1 Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid's failure to sign Neymar in 2013 left a deep impression on Florentino Perez. He subsequently decided to prioritize scouting the Brazilian talent pool. In 2017, Los Blancos spent £38 million on Vinicius Junior, Flamengo's U19 forward who had just 17 minutes of senior football to his name at the time.
Dubbed 'the next Neymar', Vinicius Junior was often criticised for being more style than substance. Rival fans were quick to ridicule his lack of end product and his reputation was not helped by a series of glaring missed chances.
It's safe to say, nobody's laughing any more. Vinicius Junior is one of the most entertaining footballers in the world today and appears to have finally added a lethal streak to his game. In the last 12 months, he has netted a brace against Liverpool in the Champions League and scored the opener in the El Clasico. He has 12 goals and 10 assists in just 26 games this season.
It's important to note that Neymar was 21 when he moved from Santos to Barcelona. Vinicius, who turned 21 earlier this year, already has 143 Real Madrid appearances. In them, he has scored 26 goals while assisting another 32.
A walking highlight reel, the Brazilian is ridiculously skilled and has a repertoire of tricks up his sleeve. Are we looking at the next great Real Madrid superstar? Only time will tell, but for now Vinicius Junior is definitely on the right path.
