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El Clasico is arguably the most popular derby in football, and this weekend Barcelona will play Real Madrid in the next iteration of the legendary fixture.
Both clubs are not what they used to be, though. While Real Madrid continue to fight for titles, Barcelona are in a rebuild right now. Many superstars from both teams, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Luis Suarez and Raphael Varane, have left for fresh beginnings.
While the quality on display might be a bit disappointing, fans are still eagerly waiting for the clash of the titans. On that note, here's a look at Real Madrid's possible starting XI for their La Liga game against Barcelona.
Goalkeeper - Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois has been one of the best goalkeepers in world football for some time now, impressing for both club and country.
Courtois completed a controversial move to Real Madrid in 2018 from Chelsea for £31.5 million. Known in Spain for his time with city rivals Atletico Madrid, Courtois has become an integral part of the Real Madrid first XI now. The Belgium international is a world-class goalkeeper, possessing quick reflexes and a strong personality.
The 29-year-old has won the La Liga Zamora Trophy thrice now. With young Ukrainian Andriy Lunin still developing, Courtois is comfortably the first-choice goalkeeper for Los Blancos.
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Right-back - Lucas Vazquez
Lucas Vazquez has had his fair share of criticism during his time with Real Madrid, but every manager who has taken over the club has regarded him highly.
The Spain international is not a glamorous player, but is a hard worker and a team player. Vazquez was a product of the Real Madrid academy, but made his name at Espanyol as a winger. He returned to Madrid in 2015 for nearly £1 million, but few would have expected him to last this long at the club.
It is a credit to Vazquez's determination and tenacity. The 30-year-old has been utilised in recent seasons as a right-back, due to his defensive prowess. Vazquez is a good squad player to have, and he deserved his new contract, which he signed earlier this year.
Centre-back - Eder Militao
With both Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane gone, the onus has fallen on Eder Militao to become one of Real Madrid first-choice centre-backs.
Militao did not come cheap, though. Real Madrid paid Porto £45 million for his services in 2019. He was behind Varane and Ramos in the pecking order before this season, but is now the club's starting centre-back. The Brazil international is physically gifted and comfortable on the ball, and has the qualities to become a Real Madrid starter for the next few years.
The 23-year-old is still developing, but at a club like Real Madrid, a player does not get a lot of time to impress. After two quiet seasons with the club, the time has come for Militao to shine now.
Centre-back - David Alaba
Real Madrid's big signing this summer, David Alaba joined the club after his contract with Bayern Munich expired.
Alaba is one of the best players in the world, and is renowned for his versatility. Capable of playing as a centre-back, left-back, midfielder and winger, the Austria international has immediately assumed the role of Real Madrid's defensive leader.
Alaba was clearly signed to replace the outgoing Sergio Ramos. While it would not be fair to compare the two juggernauts of the game, Real Madrid did well to acquire the 29-year old as a replacement for Ramos.
Left-back - Ferland Mendy
It is difficult to describe Ferland Mendy's time at Real Madrid. Los Blancos paid Lyon £43.2 million for his services in 2019, and the left-back has enjoyed some good moments.
Real Madrid sold Sergio Reguilon, Theo Hernandez and Achraf Hakimi, three players who were seen as the ideal Marcelo replacement. Mendy was identified as Marcelo's successor, and the France international is now the club's first-choice left-back.
While Mendy does not have Marcelo's attacking verve, the left-back boasts strong defensive qualities. The 26-year-old started the season with some injury issues, but started against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League a few days ago.
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Defensive Midfielder - Casemiro
Arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football, Casemiro is a key player for Real Madrid.
While much of the praise is reserved for Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, without Casemiro shielding the defence, Real Madrid's midfield would suffer heavily. The Brazil international is an aggressive, physical midfielder who does not shy away from doing the dirty work.
Casemiro was one of Real Madrid's most important players during Zinedine Zidane's time at the club. The 29-year-old is a leader in the dressing room, and will enjoy his prime representing one of the biggest clubs in world football.
Central Midfielder - Luka Modric
Where to begin with Luka Modric? He might be getting on as far as age is concerned, but he remains one of the best midfielders in La Liga.
A technically gifted, elegant midfielder, Modric is one of the best midfielders of the modern generation. The 36-year-old joined Real Madrid in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur for £31.5 million, and after a slow start has blossomed into a world-renowned superstar.
Modric is one of the few players to have pipped Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Ballon d'Or award. The Croatia international is still featuring regularly for both club and country, which is a testament to his fitness and quality.
Central Midfielder - Toni Kroos
The midfield partnership of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric is regarded by many as one of the best in modern football.
Kroos, like Modric, is a technically brilliant player. A world-class passer who sets the tempo of games, the Germany international is excellent on the ball. Kroos joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2014 for £22.5 million, which has to go down as one of the best deals in Real Madrid history.
The 31-year-old is an intelligent player, and is the engine for Real Madrid. Kroos, like Modric, boasts excellent fitness and has been everpresent in Madrid's midfield since he signed for the club.
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Right Winger - Rodrygo
Real Madrid grabbed headlines when they acquired Rodrygo from Santos for an eye-popping fee of £40.5 million in 2018. The forward joined Real Madrid the following year.
Madrid's plan has been evident for some time now. They splashed big money on young Brazilian talents like Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Reinier Jesus as they sought to sign the next Neymar, having missed out on the original one.
Rodrygo has displayed his qualities for Madrid since joining the club. The 20-year-old is still a raw talent, but has the talent to become a Madrid regular. The Brazil international is still developing, though, but the pressure of representing a big club should not weigh heavily on his shoulders.
Centre-forward - Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema has been Real Madrid's superstar since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018.
Benzema is a world-class striker, and one of the best players in world football. The France international is among the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or award this time, and it is understandable why. In eight La Liga appearances so far, Benzema has scored nine goals and provided seven assists.
The 33-year-old is a complete striker, and clearly commands the respect of the dressing room. Benzema is a unique talent, and arguments can be made that he deserves to lift the Ballon d'Or award at least once in his career.
Left Winger - Vinicius Junior
Like Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior was signed for big money by Real Madrid. Los Blancos paid Flamengo £40.5 million in 2017 for him.
Vinicius joined Madrid the next year, and has developed well since then. The 21-year-old is a pacy forward with quick feet. He struggled to finish his chances during the beginning of his Real Madrid career, but has displayed much better form in front of goal this season.
Vinicius, like Rodrygo, is still developing. The Brazil international was linked with a move away from Madrid this summer, but has started the season well, scoring seven goals in 11 appearances in all competitions.
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