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It has been a season of mixed results for Real Madrid but those who think they are out of the race for the La Liga title have got their calculations wrong. Their win against Atletico Madrid earlier in February has lifted the team's morale.
Although Real Madrid lost their La Liga game against Girona on February 17, manager Santiago Solari has instilled enough confidence that his side is looking to better their performances in the upcoming fixtures.
Their win in the Champions League against a dangerous Ajax side clearly showed that Los Blancos are regaining their form. Santiago Solaris’ side is six points behind table-toppers Barcelona and can pose a serious challenge to the Catalans.
The European champions are currently at 45 points and are separated by 9 points with Barcelona but Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has insisted his team is looking in decent shape and if they keep on performing consistently then they will surely be in contention to lift the title.
Since the last couple of months, Real Madrid has looked an organized side in every department. Real Madrid has looked a better side physically as well as mentally.
The players need to carry on with the momentum in order to be on par with other sides. Los Blancos will face some tough opponents as they move ahead in the Champions League and need to be determined to face the challenge.
The players have produced a collective effort which has given them a major boost. Solari and the team management have executed their plans perfectly and need to keep the side motivated.
The players are also looking at ease under the mentorship of Solari who has taken some important decisions in the last month or so relating to the team composition.
The Spanish giants can surely be considered as favourites to win the La Liga title and the Champions League if they play to their capabilities.
The Los Blancos have the players who have played a vital role for the team in the ongoing season. We take a look at 5 such players who have impressed the most this season.
#1 Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema holds a very key position for Real Madrid as a striker. The 31-year-old has been the core of Real Madrid’s forward line along with Gareth Bale. After being dropped from the national team in last year’s World Cup in Russia, Benzema has showcased his class with some fine performances.
Every team knows that the Frenchman can be a real threat with his electric pace and quick counter-attacks. His aggressive runs and his ability to penetrate the opposition’s defence with ease has unsettled the best defensive outfits.
The striker’s goal scoring rate has looked quite impressive since the last 3 to 4 seasons and Santiago Solari will be banking on his experience to produce the desired results.
The manager had lamented that it is hard to find a player of Benzema’s calibre as he is a kind of player who can outclass any opposition with his individual brilliance.
The striker has been an influential figure for Los Blancos and his form will be crucial in the team's success in the season going ahead. Benzema has always been a match winner on his day and his form will be a contributing factor for the Los Blancos.
Benzema has been Solari's target man in the forward line and the striker will be aiming to finish the season on a high. His experience has also helped their new recruit, Vinicius Junior, as it could act as a learning curve for the youngster.
In the ongoing La Liga season, the Frenchman has registered 10 goals in 24 games with 3 assists to his name. He has scored 4 goals in 7 Champions League games with 2 assists to his name. He has also registered 4 goals in 5 Copa del Rey games this season.
He scored 2 goals against Espanyol in January which helped Real Madrid win that game with a 4-2 margin. That performance was perhaps considered Benzema's best in the current La Liga season.
#2 Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos has been the most consistent player for Los Blancos over the last few years. The 32-year-old has been the rock of Real Madrid’sdefencee since the last 3 to 4 seasons and this time too, the Spaniard has contributed during crunch situations.
Ramos had expressed his disappointment when Spain lost against a much organized Russia in the pre-quarter-finals of last year’s World Cup. The skipper has also showcased his ability to score goals more frequently and has shouldered the responsibility of Real Madrid’s defence with aplomb.
He has also looked sharp when it comes to winning the ball from the opposition combined with his intelligence to cut out a dangerous move from the opposition with his precise tackles.
He can also win aerial duels with his smart moves and has shown his brilliance during set pieces. Although Ramos picked up a red card against Girona on 17th February and will miss Real Madrid's next game, he still remains pivotal for the European Champions. His presence has always provided a lot of reliability at the back.
Ramos was struggling to find form during the start of the season but since Solari took over as manager the defender has been performing quite well. Ramos has enjoyed Solari's confidence and it has surely boosted the Spaniard's confidence. It has also infused a lot of intensity in the defensive set up.
Ramos is also a clever operator at the flanks too. The defender was included in the FIFA FIF pro world XI last year. His partnership with Dani Carvajal and Marcelo has been the key in holding Real Madrid’s defence together.
Ramos has also scored 6 goals in 24 La Liga games in the current season with 2 assists to his name. Ramos will surely be an influential figure for Los Blancos in the Champions League.
#3 Luka Modric
After an eventful World Cup campaign, Luka Modric has looked in decent form and will be looking to end the season on a high. Although Modric has only scored 2 goals in 23 games in the current La Liga season he has contributed with 4 assists to his name.
The 33-year-old is a versatile player who can play offensively as well as defensively. The Croatian has looked dangerous as he can open up the rival’s defence with his smart moves and precise passes.
His coordination with strikers Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema has been crucial for Los Blancos. Modric is known to be a swift mover and his deceptive moves have often unsettled the opposition.
After winning the FIFA player of the year award Modric had stated that he is positive that he can produce many more match-winning performances. The midfielder has also shown his ability to win aerial duels and has shown tremendous control inside the box while keeping the ball in possession.
Modric's playmaking skills and experience has been instrumental in Real Madrid's success over the years. The midfielder has been a big match player who has always delivered during crucial situations. In the current season too, Modric's intelligence on the field combined with his technical brilliance has been quite crucial for Solari's side.
Modric's biggest strength is his ability to change his game as per the strength of the opponents which has been beneficial for the side. Modric has always been Solari's most reliable option in the midfield and the Croatian hasn't disappointed. The 33-year-old has stepped up during pressure situations.
His delightful long crosses have looked sharp while feeding the forwards. Modric will definitely be a vital cog in Real Madrid’s wheel in their next Champions League game.
Modric is considered one of the best midfielders in World Football at the moment and surely adds a lot of value in Real Madrid’s midfield because of his vast experience.
#4 Sergio Reguilon
Sergio Reguilon has been the most consistent performer for Real Madrid in the ongoing La Liga season. Here is one interesting fact about Reguilon- Real Madrid hasn't lost a match this season in which Reguilon started.
The 22-year-old has got all the qualities of a defender and his combination with the likes of Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal has looked sharp. The Spaniard has looked technically sharp and has shown a lot of promise when it comes to his precise tackles and intelligent interceptions.
The defender has combined quite well with the midfield and has worked well quite efficiently at the flanks. Reguilon is one of the upcoming stars in the La Liga and has shown his willingness to improve his game which has been appreciated by Solari as well as the team management.
Playing alongside some big names will help the youngster to establish himself on the big stage. Reguilon has also shown immense calmness during pressure situations and can surely be one of the best defenders of the current generation.
Reguilon has also shown tremendous focus and determination while facing some of the big clubs of European football. Reguilon can also be used as an attacking option because of his speed and pace. Although Reguilon hasn't scored any goals in 15 games this season, the 22-year-old has impressed with his ability to create chances.
Reguilon has also got the ability to keep the ball in possession with his clever moves. The defender has looked a busy player circulating the ball with his clever passes.
#5 Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior is one of the most exciting young talents in La Liga at the moment. The 18-year-old has shown a lot of promise since his debut for Real Madrid. Junior holds a very crucial position in Real Madrid’s forward line.
The Brazilian's presence has added a lot of pace in the forward line. Junior has already shown glimpses of his talent with his attacking style of play.
The striker has showcased his ability to run through the best defences with his electric pace and brilliant counter-attacks. Junior has also operated well at the flanks and has shown his ability to outsmart the opposition with his creative dribbles.
He can also win aerial duels with his intelligent moves and has shown his brilliance during set pieces too. Junior has showcased his skills to create space in the opposition's territory with his speed and control.
His partnership with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale has been crucial in the forward line. The striker's presence will be an important factor in the Champions League campaign as Real Madrid need fresh legs in the forward line. Playing with some of the star players will surely help him to grow and mature as a player.
Although Junior has scored only 1 goal in 13 games he has played in the 2018-19 La Liga season he has showcased his ability to penetrate the opposition's defence more frequently with his clever passes. He has also registered 2 goals in 7 Copa Del Rey games with 7 assists to his name this season. Junior has surely been an X factor for Solari's side.
