Five things Real Madrid need to do next season

Reward meritocracy

Diego Lopez – deserves more opportunities?

Have a look at Diego Lopez’s figures, and you will know why he was preferred over Casillas. Madrid have always been vulnerable to aerial threats, and Diego Lopez comes out to claim crosses far more than Casillas does. He also has a higher saves-to-shots-faced ratio. If he performs better, he plays. Simple.

A similar approach needs to be taken with Arbeloa. Daniel Carvajal is back after a very impressive season in the Bundesliga. He has a better tackle success rate, better interception rate, and is a more genuine threat down the wing. Arbeloa, in spite of being a World and European champion, will have to sit out if needed.