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Real Madrid have undoubtedly been the most successful team in Europe for the past two seasons. They have won back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles, one La Liga title, one UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup. However, with the start of the 2017-18 season, Los Blancos have not been able to replicate the same level of success.
Real Madrid are tottering in 4th and are already 14 points behind league leaders Barcelona and have suffered two unexpected losses against Real Betis and Girona C.F. A recent loss against Barcelona in the El Clasico has raised some serious concern among the fans regarding the squad and manager, Zinedine Zidane.
Florentino Perez decided to sell James Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata and the Pepe during the last summer but did not bring any proper replacement for those players. Perez might have got overwhelmed by Real's success and did not feel the need to sign good backup players for quite a few positions on the pitch.
Real Madrid signed a few players during the last transfer window. However, the likes of Dani Ceballos, Theo Hernandez, Vallejo and others new acquisitions of Los Blancos have failed to make any sort of impact in the little playing time they have got. So, Florentino Perez and Zinedine Zidane needs to make some important signings in the coming winter transfer window, if Real Madrid needs to give some challenge to Barcelona in the league and be a strong contender for the Champions League trophy.
#5 Timo Werner
Real Madrid have been shaky since the start of the season. They have faced quite a few problems. However, their main issue has been their inability to convert chances into goals. The team has created 223 chances in the league so far, but have scored only 30 of them.
After the departure of Alvaro Morata, Karim Benzema and Borja Mayoral are the only two strikers in the team. Benzema has been in poor form, he has missed some clear goal-scoring chances and has netted just 2 goals in the entire season. Mayoral has provided average performances whenever he got a chance.
Such a condition demands the inclusion of a new striker and Timo Werner can be the perfect man for Real Madrid. He has been brilliant for RB Leipzig last season scoring 21 goals in 28 appearances in the Bundesliga. This young German forward has great composure and is confident in front of the goal. The addition of Timo Werner will make the Real Madrid attacking lineup a lot more fearsome.
#4 Thomas Meunier
After the departure of Danilo to Manchester City, Real Madrid needed a backup for Dani Carvajal. Carvajal has been sensational for the defending La Liga champions in the right-back position. He has been solid in defence and has also contributed to the team's attacking play. However, every player can face injuries or bad patches and Carvajal is no different.
Thus, there is a definite need of a right-back in the Real Madrid squad. The Los Blancos have a highly talented Achraf Hakimi in their squad, but he is just 19 years old and he needs some time to settle down at the Bernabeu.
Meunier can be the perfect man Real Madrid needs as he is solid in defence. Add to that his crisp passing abilities and quick overlaps down the right wing. He has already scored 3 goals in his 8 appearances this season which is quite good, considering he is a right-back. The Belgian international makes 2.1 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game which is pretty decent when comparing to Carvajal's stats of 2.6 tackles and 2.2 interceptions per game.
Meunier has made just 8 league starts this season. Dani Alves has been the first choice of Unai Emery in the right back position and it will be difficult for the young Belgian to solidify his position in the playing eleven ahead of Alves. Meunier may be looking for a move away from Parc des Princes for getting more time on the pitch as the World Cup is knocking on the door.
However, the may even reject a move to Real Madrid for the same reason as Carvajal will surely be the first choice of Zidane and he has to play second fiddle behind the Spaniard.
#3 Adrien Rabiot
Diario Gol has recently reported that Luka Modric has decided to bring an end to his illustrious career at Real Madrid and this might be his final season with Los Blancos. Modric has already spent five and a half years at the Bernabeu and he helped Real Madrid win 13 trophies in these years which includes three Champions League titles.
Modric has been instrumental in Real's success and is an integral part of the squad. So, it will be difficult for Zidane and Florentino Perez to find an immediate replacement for the Croatian, if he decided to leave. Real Madrid have the likes of Isco and Marco Asensio to control the midfield, but Modric is something quite different.
One player who could successfully fill the void of Luka Modric is young French midfielder, Adrien Rabiot. He has impressed in PSG colours and being just 22 years old, he can be the man in the heart of Real's midfield for almost a decade to come. Besides brilliant passing and ball holding capabilities, he even possesses some great defensive skills. Rabiot made 2.2 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 0.5 key passes (all per game) last season.
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, has marked him as a potential target and a long-term replacement of Modric. So, Florentino Perez might make the move once the transfer window opens in January!
#2 David De Gea
It was the summer transfer window of 2015, Real Madrid and Manchester United agreed on a fee of £29 million, in a deal which included Madrid goalkeeper joining Old Trafford in exchange for De Gea. However, the deal failed in the last minutes as Real Madrid were late in sending the paperwork. This act of 'irresponsibility' of the Madrid club infuriated both the players involved in the transfer.
Two years have passed since then, De Gea still remains Real Madrid's number one target for the goalkeeper's position, while Keylor Navas is still the no.1 at Madrid. Both the goalkeepers have been sensational for their clubs and national teams. De Gea has earned his position as Spain's first choice goalkeeper and is undoubtedly the best keeper in the world right now.
The former Atleti custodian is quite happy at Old Trafford and enjoying his game in the Premier League, but he may wish to return to Spain, as he started his career back at Atletico Madrid. In addition to that, De Gea is close to his prime and if he decides to join Real Madrid, he will have the chance of winning more domestic and continental titles and can bask in more glory.
So, if Real Madrid comes knocking with an offer, it will be tough for De Gea to reject a move to the Spanish capital.
#1 Eden Hazard
Gareth Bale has not lived up to his usual standards as he has been out of action due to injuries for major parts of the season. The Welshman has been linked with a move to Manchester United and if that happens, Real Madrid will look for a winger, who can support Cristiano Ronaldo.
Eden Hazard can be the best man to replace Gareth Bale on the wings. He has got the pace, dribbling skills and an eye for goal. The Belgian forward can also play as an attacking midfielder and he will provide more options to Zidane while opting for different tactics.
Hazard has scored 16 goals in 36 league appearances last season and has assisted 5 for his teammates and record 4.5 dribbles per game which is quite impressive for a winger.
Hazard has recently halted talks with Chelsea regarding a contract extension and everyone is highly convinced to believe that the Belgian is doing this as he is expecting an offer from the Spanish champions.
