6 crucial players for Real Madrid this season

France v Croatia - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final
Raphael Varane poses with the World Cup trophy

Real Madrid are on the brink of perhaps one of the most significant seasons in their long history. How they cope with the departure of club icon Ronaldo would determine their future as a club. As of now, the club has failed to sign any direct replacement for Ronaldo, which makes the task of the remaining players even tougher.

However, Real Madrid do possess quality players on their star-studded roster who can make the departure of Ronaldo seem insignificant. We look at six such players who can make or break Los Blancos' season.


#6. Raphael Varane

The 25-year-old has established himself as one of the finest centre-backs in world football after lifting the World Cup with France in Russia. After waiting patiently for his chance at Real Madrid and France, Varane cemented his position in the Madrid line-up in 2016 with his fine performances alongside Sergio Ramos in defence.

He has gradually improved since then, and was pivotal to Real Madrid's Champions League trophy as well as France's World Cup victory.

The major advantage that Varane possesses over similar defenders is his ability to play long passes from the back. In addition to his undisputed defensive capabilities, Varane is also a proven match-winner, winning an astonishing 16 trophies at the age of just 25.

His calmness on the ball, leadership qualities and experience are essential for Real Madrid to bounce back from the departure of fellow leader Cristiano Ronaldo. How Varane performs would go a long way in determining whether Los Blancos go on to win yet another Champions league title.

#5. Toni Kroos

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid - UEFA Super Cup
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid - UEFA Super Cup

Since joining Madrid from Bayern in 2014, Kroos has consistently ensured that Real's star attackers get the service they need to rack in the goals. Despite not being on the score-sheet too often, Kroos makes things tick in midfield by doing all of the silent work in the centre of the park.

It remains to be seen if Kroos will be able to bounce back from his disastrous World Cup campaign, but if he does so, we are in for a treat.

4. Isco

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid - UEFA Super Cup
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid - UEFA Super Cup

Like Kroos, Isco's World Cup campaign ended prematurely when hosts Russia shocked Spain in the Round of 16. However, with 61 goals and 63 assists for Los Blancos, Isco shows why he has much to offer. Quick, creative, agile and a proven goal-scoring threat, Isco ticks all the boxes when it comes to the ideal midfielder.

Since joining in 2013, the gifted Spanish midfielder has won one league title and an astonishing four Champions League titles en route to becoming a mainstay in this Madrid team. He has also worked under current coach Lopetegui before (for Spain's national team) and would already be well-versed with his tactics.

Rumours are that Madrid chose not to sign Eden Hazard, instead opting for Isco to replace Ronaldo. This underlines the importance and respect Isco commands in the team.

3. Marcelo

Gremio v Real Madrid: Final - FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017
Gremio v Real Madrid: Final - FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017

By far the most versatile player in Madrid (and arguably, the world), serial winner Marcelo proves that age is just a number. At the age of 30, he makes sure he owns the left side of the pitch with his unwavering endurance and relentless determination.

Equally adept at attack and defence, the Brazillian has become a household name over the world owing to his unique hairstyle and his unrivalled passion towards the game.

With an unbelievable 21 trophies to his name, Marcelo makes sure that whenever you picture him, you picture him with a grin and a trophy in his hand. The Brazillian also boasts a remarkable 36 goals and 65 assists in his career, a feat even strikers would be envious of.

Marcelo would once again be pivotal to Real Madrid's trophy hopes this season.

2. Luka Modric

France v Croatia - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final
France v Croatia - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final

The diminutive Croatian magician is in the form of his life at the moment. He created waves around the world as his passing, creativity and shooting guided underdogs Croatia to their first ever World Cup final in Russia.

With impressive wins over heavyweights such as Argentina and the much-favoured England, Croatia shocked everyone with their majestic display this year and Modric was at the centre of it (literally). Such was his performance that he is considered among the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or and favourite to break the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly.

Modric was heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan in the summer, with his agent confirming that he might leave. However, Modric has since gone on to deny reports saying he contacted Inter and at the moment it seems as if Modric will stay on, at least for this season.

That should be music to the ears of Madrid fans as if Modric replicates or improves on his performances in the World Cup, it would be a huge bonus for the team.

1. Gareth Bale

Real Madrid CF v Getafe CF - La Liga
Real Madrid CF v Getafe CF - La Liga

The onus is on the Welshman to produce the kind of performances that Cristiano Ronaldo used to produce in the Madrid jersey. Real Madrid are used to having a Galactico, a prolific and talented goal-scorer who shoulders the expectations of the fans.

Gareth Bale is the frontrunner for taking the role of poster-boy for Real Madrid, a task he is undoubtedly capable of.

Bale joined Madrid back in 2013 for a world record fee after impressing for Tottenham. Since then, it has not been smooth sailing for the Welshman as trouble with injury, inconsistency and unrealistically high expectations created by the media has seen Bale go under the radar.

However, his tally of 16 league goals in just 26 games in an injury-plagued season adds weight to the fact that at his best, Gareth Bale is a force to be reckoned with.

Real Madrid v Deportivo La Coruna - La Liga
Real Madrid v Deportivo La Coruna - La Liga

If Bale struggles with the same issues that have plagued him in the past few years, it is hard to see Real Madrid win a major trophy this year, especially if they fail to sign a replacement for Ronaldo in the last few days of the transfer window.

On the other hand, if Bale does end up filling in for Ronaldo when he is most required and racks up the goals, there is no telling how far Real Madrid can go.

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Edited by Sai Krishna