5 best Real Madrid players this year (2021)

#3 Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid CF v Club Atletico de Madrid - La Liga Santander

Real Madrid left-winger Vinicius Junior was already a stunning footballer before Carlo Ancelotti took over for the second time in 2021. However, under him, the Brazilian youngster has become one of the best in the business.

There is hardly a better dribbler than Vinicius in the world right now. He is lightning quick, can beat almost any defender one-on-one, and has finally acquired the ability to apply the finishing touch.

In 2021, Vinicius went from being a world-class talent to a world-class footballer.

The Brazilian youngster scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 25 games across all competitions this season.

Vinicius will end 2021 as Real Madrid’s second-leading goal-contributor behind Karim Benzema.

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#2 Thibaut Courtois

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga Santander

In 2018, Real Madrid keeper Keylor Navas seemed to be at the top of his game. The Costa Rican had just won his third consecutive Champions League with Real Madrid and looked to be an untouchable asset.

But club president Florentino Perez supposedly did not get the memo and signed World Cup 2018’s Golden Glove winner Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea.

Madrid fans did not give him the warmest of receptions and his performances were nowhere as good as Real Madrid expected. It took time for him to get his confidence back, but once he did, there was no turning back.

Over the last couple of years, Thibaut Courtois made some inhumane stops, often keeping Real Madrid in the game all by himself. Courtois has rarely put a step wrong in 2021 and will finish the year with 24 clean sheets in all competitions.

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#1 Karim Benzema

Athletic Club v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander

Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in 2018, Karim Benzema has been leading Real Madrid from the front. The Frenchman, now 34, enjoyed a stellar year for Los Blancos and was by far their best performer.

With Marcelo reduced to a fringe player, Benzema practically took the captain’s armband from Sergio Ramos after the Spaniard’s departure in the summer of 2021.

Assuming leadership, Benzema took on some of the best teams in 2021 and always managed to put on a respectable show.

Despite not being the quickest forward out there, Benzema always managed to make space for himself. His movement remains unpredictable as ever, his shooting just as sharp, and his contribution to Madrid’s build-up play has only improved.

In 2021, Benzema scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists for Real Madrid in La Liga alone, emerging as the division’s highest goal contributor.