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After losing Cristiano Ronaldo last off-season, things haven’t been rosy for Real Madrid this season. They find themselves 3rd in LaLiga and out of both the Copa del Rey and Champions League.
Having had arguably the world’s best squad in recent years, some of their stars are starting to age. Ramos, Marcelo, Modric, and Bale are all getting up there in age and their production will definitely need to be replaced.
Fortunately, Los Blancos definitely aren’t starting this squad rebuild from scratch. They’ve got several talented young players all over the park that could grow into future stars. Under the expert tutelage of Zinedine Zidane, I take a look at 4 key players that Real Madrid needs to be building around going forward.
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#1 Raphael Varane
Much has been made about Varane’s status at the Bernabeu, with the 25-year-old Frenchman having been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the upcoming transfer window. Losing Varane would be a huge blow for Los Blancos, particularly as Ramos and Marcelo continue to age.
Whilst he had to bide his time as Ramos and Pepe were the world’s premier centre back duo, Varane has come on leaps and bounds in recent seasons. He is very composed in the air and playing the ball out from the back, making him ideally suited to a modern system.
He has extensive experience at the highest levels of world football, having played a key role in recent Champions League finals and the 2018 World Cup with France. Given the way things are trending for Madrid lately, losing Varane would be a huge blow to them going forward. With the financial resources at their disposal, they should do everything they can to hold onto the young Frenchman.
#2 Casemiro
Having only just turned 27, Casemiro has plenty of time left as one of the world’s best defensive midfielders. He has been a stalwart for Real since 2015, making at least 35 appearances in every season since.
Renowned for his excellent passing and defensive ability, he has also been a fixture in a very successful Brazilian national side. Especially as Modric and Kroos continue to age out of their primes, Casemiro could help drive Madrid’s midfield forward for years to come.
Rival managers know just how much value he provides, with Diego Simeone suggesting he might be Real Madrid’s best player in 2016. Given how increasingly important the holding midfielder role is becoming, Casemiro should play a huge role for Los Blancos going forward. Whilst some parts of the Real roster may be in flux, holding midfield definitely isn’t one of them.
#3 Isco
Lost in Real Madrid’s dominant midfield is the fact that Isco is just 26 years old. He is one of the longer-serving members of this squad, having made at least 30 league appearances in each of the past 5 seasons.
Exceptional as a #8 or #10, Isco should continue to see more time as Luka Modric ages out. Having the versatility to play in a deeper role or even on the wing will be invaluable as Madrid look to rebuild. Known primarily for his excellent passing and dribbling ability, Isco is everything you want in a modern midfielder.
Especially with a defensive stalwart like Casemiro behind him, Isco will have the ability to flourish in Real’s free-flowing system. As one of the better goal threats from midfield in LaLiga, I expect Isco’s career to keep on improving at the Bernabeu. With so many uncertainties surrounding their squad, he is another player they just can’t let go.
#4 Marco Asensio
Perhaps the easiest inclusion on this list, Asensio is definitely someone Madrid need to build around going forward. He has had a strong career at the Bernabeu, regularly getting first-team football for the third year in a row at the age of just 23.
Given his attacking versatility, he was expected by most to replace the output of Cristiano Ronaldo. Whilst no-one can replicate CR7’s gargantuan impact, Asensio definitely has the talent to be Real’s main talisman going forward.
Being able to play as both a winger and attacking midfielder will prove vital as Madrid shuffles its squad going forward. Both Benzema and Gareth Bale are coming to the end of their run, meaning there will be plenty of room for attacking talent to rise through the ranks. As Asensio continues to hone his craft, watch out for him as potentially the top player in LaLiga going forward.
