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Have you ever rued your decision of letting someone go because you were unaware of his/her importance? Have you ever cried over spilt milk?
Well, Real Madrid have.
The team has experienced an unimaginable downfall this season. A downfall that was unthinkable for a club as prestigious as Real Madrid!
As I pen this article, Real Madrid are 4th in La Liga, 19 points adrift of their arch-rivals, Barcelona, who are currently the league leaders with 54 points. Moreover, the club has managed to win only 10 out of the 19 games in Primera División which manifests the dreadfulness of the season they have had so far.
The club has also had a few hiccups in the Champions League, drawing 1-1 against Tottenham at the Bernabeu, and then losing 3-1 at Wembley in the group stages.
The major setback came in the Copa del Rey as they were knocked out by minnows Leganes in the quarter-final of the Spanish Cup. The match ended 2-2 on aggregate, with Leganes winning on away goals.
One of the main factors of this undoing is the club's decision of jettisoning some of the most renowned players in the summer transfer window of 2017.
Here we take a look at the top 5 players who Los Blancos should have held on to in the summer transfer window of 2017:
#5 Maríano Diaz - Sold
Current club: Olympique Lyonnais
Transfer fee: £8 million
The Dominican Republic international made his debut for the Ligue 1 side on 5 August 2017 and has appeared in 23 games since then, amassing a total of 14 goals. The former Real Madrid player has been of immense importance for Les Gones, playing for a total of 2,008 minutes in the 26 appearances he has made.
It is quite certain that Real Madrid have missed Mariano's prowess tremendously, considering Karim Benzema's terrible form, which has significantly contributed to Real Madrid's degeneration this season.
The 24-year-old's unavailability has unquestionably plagued Zidane's side as Real Madrid's goal average has deteriorated appallingly.
#4 Danilo - Sold
Current club: Manchester City
Transfer fee: £26.5 million
The Brazilian full-back has made 22 appearances for the Premier League leaders, in which he managed a goal against A.F.C. Bournemouth. Although Danilo has not been an essential part of Pep Guardiola's plans, he has been greatly missed at the Bernabeu.
Danilo's absence was immensely felt at Los Blancos when Dani Carvajal was ruled out of action because of a viral pericardium infection.
During that period, Real Madrid had to integrate the inexpert Achraf Hakimi into the side, whose inexperience adversely affected Real Madrid - certainly a factor in the club's sudden collapse. Had Real Madrid retained the Brazilian international, the 26-year-old and his experience would have certainly been of great assistance to Zinedine Zidane's side
#3 Pepe - Released
Current club: Beşiktaş J.K.
Transfer fee: Free
The Portuguese central defender has made 23 appearances for Beşiktaş in which he scored a goal against Antalyaspor. The 34-year-old has been of immense importance for the Süper Lig side, playing for a total of 2,037 minutes this season.
Pepe was one of the most celebrated players at Real Madrid and was profoundly acclaimed during his 10-year stint. After his departure, Los Blancos' defence has been greatly debilitated as Zidane's side has already conceded a total of 18 goals in La Liga. Los Vikingos have failed to find a defender with similar tenacity, robustness and vigour as Pepe.
#2 James Rodríguez - Loaned
Current club: Bayern Munich
Loan fee: £11.7 million
James Rodríguez has made 21 appearances for the Bavarians in which he has scored 3 goals and made 7 assists. The 26-year-old prodigy has been the driving force of Bayern Munich, earning plaudits from Jupp Heynckes.
In spite of the limited playing time at Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane, the former Monaco player managed 11 goals and 13 assists for Los Blancos last season.
Madridistas have heartily missed him this season because of the underperformances of the likes of Toni Kroos and Luke Modric. The Colombian's position has been shouldered by Isco, however, the Spanish professional has miserably failed to live up to Madridistas' expectations.
#1 Alvaro Morata - Sold
Current club: Chelsea F.C
Transfer fee: £60 million
Alvaro Morata has made 31 appearances across all competitions for the Blues, in which he has managed 12 goals and 4 assists. The Spanish professional has been an important part of the Chelsea side this season, although he has only performed in patches, following the departure of Diego Costa.
The 25-year-old has been a vital part of Conte's plans and arguably, the biggest regret of Real Madrid.
As Zidane's side find it arduous to overcome their dearth of goals and attacking misfortunes, the Spanish wizard continues to help The Pensioners with his commendable elan.
Despite being encumbered by insufficient playing time due to his position being monopolized by Karim Benzema, Morata still managed to score 20 goals for Los Blancos last season.
His transfer to Chelsea was a tremendous blow for Madrid and Zidane must be kicking himself for not holding on to the Spanish striker.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and they do not necessarily represent the views of Sportskeeda.
