'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
We are still early into the 2021-22 season and Real Madrid are enduring a mixed campaign. After a bright start to their season, Los Blancos are winless in their last three games in all competitions.
Carlo Ancelotti's men succumbed to a shock defeat in the UEFA Champions League, losing 1-2 to FC Sheriff Tiraspol. Real Madrid were handed a similar defeat by Espanyol in La Liga which saw them unable to maintain the point difference at the top.
The Spanish giants are still at the top of the table with 17 points, level on points with Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad after eight games in La Liga. Real Madrid are without a win in their last two league games, which is a major cause of concern for Carlo Ancelotti.
Carlo Ancelotti's team are known to play champagne football and Los Blancos started out in a similar fashion. They managed to score 21 goals in their first six league games whilst their defense remains a worry for the Real Madrid faithful. Considering the sky-high expectations, Real Madrid are aware that they can't afford to slip anymore.
Many Real Madrid stars have yet to find form but there are few who have started their campaign well. Let us take a look at
Real Madrid's 5 best players so far this season
#5 Eduardo Camavinga
The 18-year old wunderkind arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu with high expectations and has showcased his talent so far. Camavinga arrived at Real Madrid on the penultimate day of the transfer window and immediately made it into the first team.
Despite the hype and expectations surrounding him, Camavinga has shown that his belief is sky high at Real Madrid. The French midfielder scored on his debut against Celta Vigo, much to the amazement of fans and critics alike. Camavinga also racked up an assist on his Champions League debut against Inter Milan, which helped the team manage a narrow 1-0 win.
#4 Federico Valverde
Emerging as a starter in the absence of Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde has won the confidence of Carlo Ancelotti with his performances. The Uruguayan's powerful displays in central midfield make him a valuable asset, with the player showing that Real Madrid can bank on him.
With Luka Modric not getting any younger, Fede Valverde has shown that he can take on more responsibility in Real Madrid's midfield. The 23- year-old's speed, scintillating runs and passing range is one of the reasons for the Spanish giants' strong start to the season.
#3 David Alaba
It's not been easy for David Alaba since his arrival from Bayern Munich on a free transfer. But the Austrian has shown why Real Madrid signed him displaying his exquisite caliber. In the absence of veterans Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Alaba has been the only glimmer of hope in a disorganized Real Madrid defense.
The 29-year old is a natural left-back but is taking on the duties of centre-back at Real Madrid. It goes without saying that Eder Militao and Nacho are not up to the mark as first choice centre-backs, which is why Carlo Ancelotti prefers Alaba.
The Austrian defender has shown that he can deliver at different defensive positions and keeps leading Los Blancos' defense. Alaba remains the focal point for attacking moves too. He has racked up two assists in La Liga, depicting his attacking prowess.
#2 Vinicius Junior
With five goals and three assists in eight league games, Vinicius Junior has already fared better than he did the previous season. The Brazilian talent has shown his maturity in front of goal, which was the main criticism against him previously.
There was never any doubt about the breathtaking abilities of Vinicius. The 21-year old's dribbling and runs have been a constant problem for defenders. More often than not, Vinicius broke through the lines of the opposition's defense with effortless ease.
With Eden Hazard not up to the mark, it remains to be seen whether Vinicius will be consistent throughout the campaign.
#1 Karim Benzema
Along with Robert Lewandowski and Mohammed Salah, Karim Benzema is undoubtedly the most in-form striker in Europe right now. With nine goals and seven assists in the league, Benzema is in a league of his own. No other player has made more goal contributions in Europe's top five leagues than the French forward currently.
Benzema remains the focal point of Los Blancos' attack, with the 33-year old constantly troubling defenders with his presence. Be it Eden Hazard or Vinicius Junior, Benzema has managed to form a devastating partnership with them. Along with scoring goals, Benzema often drops deep to get the ball and create for his team-mates.
The extraordinary numbers by Karim Benzema show how important he is for Real Madrid. He is the undisputed leader in the attack and Los Blancos will only benefit as long as Benzema keeps firing on all cylinders.
