Real Madrid's preferred starting XI for the next season

Real Madrid mourn their loss against FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey Semi Finals
Real Madrid mourn their loss against FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey Semi Finals

Real Madrid has had to endure a difficult season so far. While they had to let go of Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane in difficult circumstances before the start of the season, the club also failed to land their key transfer targets too. That has affected them this season as their manager was sacked midway through the campaign and a number of players failed to rise to the occasion.

Reeling behind Barcelona in La Liga, and relinquishing their position as favorites to lift the Champions League this season, Real Madrid are clearly being affected by the consequences of their actions.

Hence, the team needs a rehash and it could involve a number of difficult decisions apart from the appointment of a new manager. While some players may have to end their long careers with the club, a few new signings should bring a lease of fresh air to the Los Blancos. It has been a while since Real Madrid has completely dominated La Liga and that has to be their aim for the upcoming season.


On that note, here is Real Madrid's preferred starting XI for the next season:


Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Courtois must be trusted for the next season by Real Madrid
Courtois must be trusted for the next season by Real Madrid

Although Courtois has looked off the color after his move from Chelsea to Real Madrid, the Belgian stopper is still a class act and hence, he needs to be the club's No.1 for the next season. Courtois is a good presence in between the sticks and will complement the strong defense of Real Madrid.

The club could be tempted to juggle between Keylor Navas and Courtois in the next season but they must stick on to a particular stopper to increase their efficiency. Considering the future, Courtois must be that man.

The Golden Glove winner would eventually come good and justify his record move from Chelsea.

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Full-Backs: Dani Carvajal and Alex Telles

Alex Telles could be a good replacement for Marcelo
Alex Telles could be a good replacement for Marcelo

Dani Carvajal has been Real Madrid's right-back for a long time and he should be continued for the next season. The Spaniard is an experienced player and will be important for the club during this transition period. Real Madrid should also develop Theo Hernandez keeping in mind the future of the position.

Marcelo looks set to leave this summer and hence, Real Madrid's priority would be to sign a left-back in the upcoming transfer window. A good option to consider would be Porto's Brazilian defender Alex Telles. The footballer has played for Galatasaray and Inter Milan in the past and is an experienced player. He is good with the attack and an excellent defender. Most importantly, he would come at a cheap price for the club.

Center-Backs: Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane

This duo should continue for the next season too
This duo should continue for the next season too

Real Madrid's central defenders in Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane have formed a formidable partnership and it would be difficult for the club to think of another duo at the back.

Sergio Ramos is the captain of the squad who has now also become the central figure at the club. His presence is important in set-pieces and penalties too. Hence, Ramos will be a certainty for the next season too.

France defender Raphael Varane has achieved a lot at a young age and with the skills he possesses, he would be a part of Real Madrid's defense for a very long time.

Defensive Midfielder: Casemiro

The Brazilian is a vital element in the Real Madrid squad
The Brazilian is a vital element in the Real Madrid squad

Casemiro has been a vital cog for Real Madrid in the past few seasons. The Brazilian has had an equal and efficient impact both in the attack and the defense which has helped his side win many games. Casemiro will be important in the upcoming season as there could be a chance of a major squad overhaul in the squad. He must be a part of Real Madrid next season too.

Central Midfielders: Luka Modric and Christian Eriksen

Christian Eriksen should be the preferred midfield signing for Real Madrid this summer.
Christian Eriksen should be the preferred midfield signing for Real Madrid this summer.

Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have formed a good midfield partnership for Real Madrid but time may have come to form a new duo at the heart for the club. There have been quite a few underwhelming performances this season and Toni Kroos may have to make way for a new face at Madrid.

Christian Eriksen has long been rumored with a move to Real Madrid and this could be the best time for the club to proceed with the negotiations. Eriksen is someone who provides a lot of assists and scores goals very frequently. The Denmark player would be a suitable addition to Real Madrid in current circumstances.

Attack: Paulo Dybala, Mauro Icardi and Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard could be the next focal point at Real Madrid
Eden Hazard could be the next focal point at Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo's exit has affected Real Madrid as the goals have become hard to come by. While Gareth Bale has looked inconsistent, Karim Benzema may not have a long career at the club despite having a decent season. Marco Asensio has lost steam and Vinicius Jr. is too young to become a central figure at the club.

Real Madrid has been a longtime admirer of Eden Hazard and the upcoming transfer window could well bring the Belgian to the club. His skills are unmatched and he would be an asset for the club. He guarantees a lot of goals and assists which could help Real Madrid perform better next season.

Paulo Dybala is an exciting youngster who has shown a lot of promise at Juventus. The Argentine's first choice club could be Real Madrid if he decides to leave the Turin based club. With the kind of talent he possesses, he could be an instant hit at the club.

Mauro Icardi could leave Inter Milan this summer and Real Madrid could be one of the interested clubs. The Argentine is a genuine striker and is a frequent goal scorer. He is experienced and this will definitely help the struggling club.

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