4 reasons why Real Madrid will win La Liga in the upcoming season

Real won the UCL for three consecutive years, but just managed a third place finish last season in La Liga, a whooping 17 points behind the champions Barcelona. But it was the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus which sent shock-waves through the global Real Madrid fan-base.

Without Ronaldo, their leading goal scorer and their target man - questions have been asked if Los Blancos can compete with Barcelona who still have the irrepressible Lionel Messi on their team.

Real Madrid being one of the biggest clubs in Europe, with all the experienced players on their roster, plus the financial power and dominance in the transfer market - their chances of regaining the title can never be downplayed.

Here we analyse 4 reasons why Real Madrid can be a threat to Barcelona for the La Liga title in the upcoming season.

---

#1 Squad depth

Real Madrid squad depth

Real already has arguably the best roster among all European clubs. Dani Carvajal and Marcelo are considered to be among the world's best full-backs currently, Varane's performances in Russia established him as a top centre-back, Luka Modric was awarded the Golden Ball at the World Cup, while Toni Kroos, Isco and Casemiro are a formidable midfield cast.

With Ronaldo's departure, Gareth Bale can finally showcase his abilities fully. Marco Asensio is one bright prospect who could have a breakthrough year, and the addition of Alvaro Odriozola who started Spain's opening game, and Vinicius Junior has only added to the squad depth.

They are also linked with a number of big names in Europe, including - Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, Lewandowski, Icardi and Willian. If they can land a couple of their targets, they will boast of a very experienced squad going into the season.

#2 Lopetegui's possession style of play will help dominate the smaller teams in the league.

Julen Lopetegui announced as new Real Madrid manager

Real Madrid announced the appointment of Julen Lopetegui while he was still at the helm of the Spanish side going into the World Cup in Russia, resulting in Spain sacking their manager just ahead of their first match.

During his spells while managing the Spanish youth sides - winning the U19 and the U21 titles, he made it clear that he prefers building up attack by keeping the ball and circulating the ball properly.

The appointment of Lopetegui will herald a possessive style of play, and with world class midfielders like Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Isco and Assensio among others, who are good at holding and passing the ball still at the club, they can reap the maximum benefits from his style and start dominating the smaller teams.

The potential of them creating chances from possession was seen in the the UCL final vs Liverpool, specially in the second half when the reds barely couldn't have the ball back. Real had 65 percent ball possession and 14 attempts.

#3 Shifting focus to the league

Time to win the league after UCL success?

By defeating Liverpool in the Champions League final, Real proved they are still the Kings of Europe, and lifted the trophy for a record thirteenth time.Yet they failed to secure any silverware in domestic football as Barcelona secured the domestic double.

Last season Zidane reiterated that although it was more difficult to win the league, their main aim was to win the Champions League. They went on to win the Champions League under him for a third consecutive year, but he stood down afterwards.

Having won 4 UCL titles in the last 5 years, Real can now focus on winning the league title, and with Barcelona desperate to win the UCL - Los Blancos might have an advantage in the league.

#4 Improvement in their build up play from the back

Real Madrid Left-Back Marcelo

The key to the success of Barcelona in the league over the years is their build up play from the back, and the involvement of their full-backs in the attack - with Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto for example constantly making forward runs.

Last season Real Madrid struggled to build up play from the back. The new manager believes that his defenders should be able to contribute to the team attack as much as players in other positions, and should be efficient in switching the ball.

With Lopetegui at the helm, he likes his defenders and midfielders to work as team, Real will be creating attacks from the back with their full backs higher up the pitch.

The likes of Marcelo and Dani Carvajal certainly possess the attributes Lopetegui wants in his defenders.