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Just as I started to write this post, I came to know about Madrid’s new signing Sami Khedira. A bright young player he certainly adds to Madrid’s defensive strength. Their defense looked trembling, a number of times last season in the absence of Pepe. Real played very well last season but they looked like a one man team on more than one occasions. Ronaldo’s brilliance and Higuain’s opportunism saved them.
But what was really lacking for me was a playmaker who would make the ball move. People would be surprised to read this but as you know I am a die-hard Real fan and to see Barca win the midfield battles in El Classico was a heartbreak for me. This is where Kaka was missed the most. He is a brilliant palyer and I am waiting for him to lighten the football fields with his game.Both Ronaldo and kaka had a poor world cup by any standard and they would be looking forward to make amends with their performances for Real.
Xabi Alonso would have to work in order to improve his performances from the last season to give Real a more solid touch. He along with his long passes to Christiano on the run can be a deadly combo.Sergio Ramos would be expected to perform like he did for Spain in the world cup. Raul Albiol and Pepe would form the heart of defence.
They are even looking to sign Ozil. With so many superstars the real challange for Real would be to maintain team spirit and keep everybody’s ego in check.With so many new signings the place of Van der Vaart looks doubtful.Once again they begin their new season with a new manager and a team full of superstars.One of the major targets for Mourinho would be to perform well in Europe. Real fans are eager to see them perform well in Europe. With so much talent at their disposal they can certainly pose a threat in both competitions simulataneously.Real have not posed a challenge in Europe since 4 seasons. Its been quite a long time for a club like Real Madrid to do so.
With rumours of Mourinho bidding for Ricardo Carvalho, if successful could be one of the most important signings for Madrid as this would strengthen their defense immensely.
Real should win this years La Liga and proceed to semis of Champions League, given the stregnth of their squad. Ah I wrote this like a pure Real Madrid fan. But the reality check is they would get a very strong challenge from Barcelona strengthened by addition of David Vila. With more than half of Spain’s world cup winning team in Barcelona, they should be clear favourites but I expect the law of averages to catch up with them and Messi.
Lets get ready for this high tempo journey of La Liga.
