'%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)
Real Madrid’s suffering continued after the Spanish giants were thrashed 4-1 by Ajax in their Champions League Round of 16 second leg clash last night. Los Blancos have been struggling since the departure of talisman Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Zinedine Zidane last summer. The likes of Toni Kroos and Gareth Bale have failed to impress in the absence of Ronaldo.
Manager Santiago Solari might be the first one to be shown the door by the club, following their underwhelming display against Ajax, but it would not be surprising if several high-profile players are also told to leave in the upcoming summer transfer window. Following the horror season and the emergence of fresh talents such as Vinicius Junior and Sergio Reguilon, it could be the end of an era for Madrid.
Here we will take a look at 3 senior players, who Real Madrid could consider selling to open a new chapter next season.
#1 Marcelo
Many have regarded Marcelo as one of the best full-backs in the world for years. Last season he starred prominently under Zidane and was a key figure for his club as they claimed their third straight Champions League title.
However, he has experienced some major turnaround in his career recently. His performance has dipped, while Sergio Reguilon has impressed Solari. Now the Brazilian is no more a regular starter. Marcelo might not ret adequate game time for the remainder of the campaign as Real Madrid have been eliminated from all cup competitions got knocked out from all cups.
After 12 wonderful years in Madrid, it could be the right time for Marcelo to say goodbye to Los Blancos at the end of the season, especially if he still wants regular game time.
#2 Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos became an instant hit for Real Madrid when he joined from Bayern Munich 5 years ago. He has marshalled Los Blancos' defence and helped the club to several trophies, including one La Liga and three Champions Leagues.
However, he has been recently criticised for his lack of contribution to the team. So far, Kroos has failed to register a single goal in La Liga and has only netted once in the Champions League. Real Madrid were shy of goals, following the departure of Ronaldo, but Kroos could not help his team much in that regard.
The German's decline in performance is evident. He had been subbed early in the previous matches against Barcelona and Levante. His most recent performance against Ajax looked even worse as he made an error that lead to a goal. At 29 years of age, the midfielder will be replaced by Real Madrid sooner rather than later.
#3 Gareth Bale
Not many would disagree that Gareth Bale has the potential to be one of the best players in the world. Real Madrid thought the same and splashed the cash to poach him away from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013. Sadly, the Welshman has not been able to fulfil his true potential at the Bernabeu.
Bale's Madrid career has been plagued with injuries as he has often missed crucial games for the club. Besides his fitness problems, the 29-year-old has been involved in off-field issues this season. With Bale failing to fill the void created by the departure of Ronaldo, It would be a matter of time until Real Madrid decide to part ways with the winger.
Also See : Durand Cup, Durand Cup Schedule, Calcutta Football League
