How Real Madrid could line-up if Mauricio Pochettino becomes their manager

Sam May
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Mauricio Pochettino could seek a new challenge and head to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer

Yes, that same old rumour is just showing no signs of slowing down.

Current Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane’s position at the club is under incredible scrutiny, following Los Blancos’ poor league form, and should they lose the Champions League Final to Liverpool on May 26, that could spell the end to his time at the club.

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The Spurs boss continues to be linked with Real Madrid to replace Zinedine Zidane next season

Pundit Paul Merson believes Pochettino is the right man for the Galacticos and could swap London for Madrid this summer.

Watch: Reporter asks Pochettino in January whether he could become the next Real Madrid manager

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Pochettino remains the clear favourite for the Bernabeu hot seat and would potentially be open to a move to the Spanish capital. The Tottenham boss has reportedly demanded a rise in his wages and a huge transfer war chest, to remain at White Hart Lane.

If he made the move to Madrid, he would most definitely have a big rebuilding job on his hands.

So how could they line-up?


Goalkeeper: David De Gea

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David De Gea remains on Real Madrid's transfer wish list and may head back to his homeland this summer

The European Champions have long been linked with the Madrid-born shot-stopper. He came close to joining the club on transfer deadline day in 2015, but the deal collapsed due to paperwork.

The club has retained an interest in the 26-year-old ever since, and he could say adios to Manchester United and make the move to the Bernabeu this summer. Pochettino would want to bring in a new goalkeeper to replace the 30-year-old Keylor Navas who continues to be linked with a move away and the Costa Rican isn't getting any younger.

The Tottenham manager likes a goalkeeper who uses the ball well just like Hugo Lloris now at Spur. So signing De Gea, he wouldn't just have the best goalkeeper in the world, but would also fit his attacking style.

Right Back: Dani Carvajal

EntDani Carvajal has made the right-back birth his own since arriving in 2013 from Bayer Leverkusener caption
Dani Carvajal has made the right-back birth his own since arriving in 2013 from Bayer Leverkusen

The 26-year-old, who was brought to the club in 2013 from Bayer Leverkusen for €6.5 million, has made over 100 appearances for Zidane's side. Ever present in the right-back position, he signed a new contract at the club in September last year keeping him at the club until 2022.

He would improve his game going forward under the current Spurs manager, as he would be given more license to drive forward just as Kyle Walker was before his move to Manchester City. He could potentially be utilised as a right-wing back just like Kieran Trippier is at Tottenham.

Center Back: Raphael Varane

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Real Madrid will hope Raphael Varane will play a key role in the Galacticos
defence
for many years to come

There is no question he is one of the best defenders in the world and Real Madrid fans will hope Varane will continue in the heart of the back four for many years.

He is a commanding leader with great aerial aggression. One thing Pochettino would do is try and tie down the 25-year-old to a long-term contract.

The Frenchman would improve Varane and turn him into Ramos' successor. Like Jan Vertonghen, he would be expected to command the back four for many seasons to come.

Center Back: Sergio Ramos

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Club legend Sergio Ramos still has a couple more season under his belt at the Santiago Bernabeu

He was brought to the club in 2005 for €27 million, which at the time was a drastic fee for a teenager.

The now 32-year-old, who is a legend at the Bernabeu has made over 370 appearances and replacing him is probably the hardest task for Pochettino, but one that he would likely make within the next two seasons, as age is against him.

Left Back: Alex Sandro

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Alex Sandro would be an upgrade on Marcelo at left-back and somebody who Pochettino could target

The current Juventus wingback could be targeted as a longer-term replacement for Marcelo, 30. His transfer fee is an estimated €65 million, so may be prohibitive.

Chelsea had previously targeted the 27-year-old, but he would be the perfect fit in the Madrid back four due to the fact he is also a very skilful attacking wingback, who can get back and recover easily.

Pochettino likes his full-back's to be attacking just like Luke Shaw when at Southampton and Danny Rose/Ben Davies at Spurs, so making a move for Sandro would fit the blueprint.

Central Midfield: Marco Veratti

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Marco Veratti would add steel to the Real Madrid midfield and could replace Luka Modric

High on Barcelona’s wish list, Verratti would be seen as the replacement for 32-year-old Luca Modric in the middle of midfield.

In June last year, it was reported the Italian was keen for Fiorentino Perez to take him to the Bernabeu. At 24, now is the time for him to make the move to either Real Madrid or the Catalan giants.

Pochettino likes his midfielders to be strong and likes to count on a leader, which Veratti is.

Central Midfield: Casemiro

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Casemiro has been one of the most consistent performers when being called upon

The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the first names on Madrid's team sheet. He was used sparingly under Rafael Benitez but became first-choice under current boss Zidane. He still has a lot more potential, and Pochettino as a coach could bring out the best in him.

Left Midfielder: Neymar

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Neymar could be brought in with Cristiano Ronaldo heading in the other direction

Wow, yes you heard it. What a coup it would be if Madrid could land the former Barcelona winger, who is currently plying his trade in Ligue 1 with PSG. A staggering fee of around €300 million would have to be found to land the playmaker. Perhaps a loan move would be likely due to financial fair play.

Fiorentino Perez, president of Real Madrid is a keen admirer of Neymar and a deal would potentially see Cristiano Ronaldo head to Paris in the other direction, maybe. Recently, Brazilian legend Ronaldo, has urged Neymar to head to the Spanish capital. The fact Pochettino has worked with big players before, means he would be able to handle the Brazilian and the "circus" that surrounds him.

Attacking Midfielder: Marco Asensio

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Marco Asensio should remain at Real Madrid for many years,
having
emerged as a key figure in the side

Pochettino would have to use all of his powers of persuasion to convince Asensio, 22, to commit his future to Los Blancos. Chelsea continue to monitor him, as do Liverpool, but the player is keen to link up with former Galactico Alvaro Morata, in London, despite the player looking to head back to Italy to join former club Juventus.

Right Midfielder: Eden Hazard

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Eden Hazard will want to play Champions League football and could make the move to Los Blancos

Despite making claims he is “happy” at Chelsea, the winger still wouldn’t rule out a move to the Spanish giants. He would be seen as the perfect replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale, who may be used as a makeweight, if a deal is to be done.

Pochettino know's the player's ability from his time in the Premier League, which could be a huge factor. Chelsea will be playing Europa League football next season and Hazard will only want to play in the Champions League, so a move seems highly likely.

Striker: Harry Kane

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Harry Kane could replace Karim Benzema should Pochettino take charge of the Spanish giants

If Real managed to get hold of Poch, then one thing is for sure, he would want to bring in the prolific striker who has scored 100+ Premier League goals for Spurs.

The England international has flourished under the Argentine manager and finished with more goals than any other player in Europe, two seasons ago, beating Lionel Messi’s tally of 54 by two.

A fee of around €200 million would be enough to secure the 24-year-old’s services. Madrid need somebody to replace Karim Benzema. The fact that Pochettino has a brilliant relationship with Kane makes it more likely for him to make the move.

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