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Ronaldo – he’ll have to show the way
Dani Carvajal, Madrid’s Jordi Alba
After winning a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season, Carvajal was destined to return to Madrid and also, you remember how Neymar toyed with Arbeloa in the Confed Cup final? I bet Perez didn’t want to see a repeat of those scenes in the Clasicos. Carvajal’s arrival now makes the defense department of Madrid injury-proof and at 21 years of age, he can become a Bernabeu favorite in quick time, much like Saint Iker.
Ronaldo
Duh! At 28 years of age, Ronaldo is in his prime right now, and that does not bode well for many. Having a variety of midfield ammunition to choose from, this season can be his best till now and also a Ballon d’Or winning one. When he bags a new contract (which should be soon), Ronaldo will feel that the club values him as he should be and his gratitude will surely be delivered in bags of goals and maybe even assists.
Ronaldo: A Ballan d’Or finally?
With the absence of Higuain, there is a possibility that Ronaldo will be asked to lead the line occasionally, when Benzema is injured or benched, and although he doesn’t prefer it, it will hold interest for Ancelotti and the fans alike to see if it reaps rich rewards. And if it does, I don’t think CR7 will complain too much either.
Bale or no Bale? Does it matter, really?
The Bale saga will most likely continue till the end of the transfer window and whether it happens or not, it is not really a do-or-die situation. If anything, it will create chaos and confusion more than anything else in an already crowded attack. What is more important is whether Madrid should go into the market looking for a replacement for Higuain or put their faith into their young players, Morata and Rodriguez, two players who also did well at the Euro Under-21?s.
Higuain is a good goal-scorer. His contribution is overshadowed by Ronaldo and to a lesser extent, Benzema, as he doesn’t have their natural skills when he is on the ball. He is more of a poacher who is there at the right place at the right time to tap the ball in. And so he was sold.
How badly will Madrid miss Higuain?
But as time progresses, Madrid may miss him more than they thought, and it will be interesting to see whether Ancelotti places more faith in the Madrid youth than Mourinho did, especially when under the intense pressure of delivering results week in week out.
With the inclusion of Neymar, Barca have strengthened their firepower and the lack of a good defense may not prove to be much of an issue in the two-horse race of La Liga. To reclaim the Liga throne from them will be no easy task, but Real will feel that they have a very good chance of doing just that with the infusion of fresh young talent in the form of Isco and Co. and the experience of proven stars like Ronaldo, Ozil, Ramos, Alonso.
