5 players Real Madrid can’t afford to drop

#4 Sergio Ramos

Real Madrid CF v Rayo Vallecano de Madrid - La Liga

Whenever Real Madrid are in trouble, they can rely on Sergio Ramos to bail them out. Indeed, there is an argument to suggest that the 31-year-old centre-back would be a more fitting winner of the Ballon d’Or 2017 than Ronaldo.

The defender has an incredible habit of popping up with goals at crucial times – he hit double figures last season as Madrid claimed the league title – but, moreover, embodies the mentality and spirit of the team.

No-one, it seems, wants the club to get back to form with the burning desire of the Spain defender. “It’s a f***ing bad start,” he fumed after a shock 1-0 loss to Real Betis in September. "It's concerning and alarming, as this bad start at home has included games against opponents that we would normally beat at the Bernabeu.

"But we must move on, be self-critical and think about the next games. We are the same players who were winning titles a month ago.

"We have to be united and think of ourselves, but there is a great team here and there are no excuses.”

Additionally, Madrid do not have cover at centre-back to act as a reasonable option to replace their captain, who so often leads by example. He is a player who must be backed to dig them out of their current predicament.