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In just under two weeks from now, Real Madrid will begin a new season. With former manager Carlo Ancelotti back at the club for his second term, there's plenty of hopes, given everything he accomplished during his first spell.
However, winds of change have blown at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, with old guards Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane both leaving. The skipper has joined Paris Saint-Germain after 16 glorious years in the Spanish capital, while Varane moved to Manchester United.
Meanwhile, players like Gareth Bale, Martin Odegaard and Luka Jovic have returned from their successful loan spells and have a point to prove.
Having finished last season titleless, Los Blancos will be aiming to bounce back and win some trophies. Here are the five players they might be depending the most on during the 2021-22 season:
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#5 Thibaut Courtois
Following a difficult first season at Real Madrid, Thibaut Courtois found his best form and didn't look back thereafter.
He played a key role in their 2019-20 league title success, even winning the Golden Glove, and was also among the best performers during last season's trophyless campaign.
The former Chelsea shot-stopper has reinstated himself as among the best in the business and his intervention will once again be crucial in helping win big games this season.
#4 Marcelo
The fact that Marcelo has been a peripheral figure for the last three years but is still taking over the captain's armband from Sergio Ramos tells you everything you need to know about his stature at the club.
The Brazilian is no longer the reckoning force he used to be, but now has to step up to his new leadership role. Considering the influence Ramos had on the side as captain, it could be a tough act to follow.
A peerless tormentor in his prime, Marcelo is mainly known for his attacking instincts, having laid plenty of crosses for the likes of Ronaldo, Benzema and Bale, while chipping in with goals in big moments too.
Now that he's Real Madrid's new skipper, Marcelo is certain to play regularly in the XI again and there will be a lot riding on him too.
#3 Luka Modric
It speaks volumes about the player if he's on this list even at 35 years of age. But Luka Modric is no ordinary veteran.
To be 36 in just over a month's time, the Croatian star is the vital cog that keeps the Real Madrid machine ticking. He covers every blade of grass either looking for the ball or distributing it, pulling the strings from the midfield with his immaculate passing and vision.
Whenever the side pulls off a comeback victory, there's a good chance that Modric was at the heart of it, starting the attacking move which led to a goal or making the assist for the winner.
That's how important he remains to Los Blancos and without him, the juggernaut just doesn't function. If Luka Modric is in good form, the team does well. Simple.
#2 David Alaba
Without old guards Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane manning the backline, Real Madrid need a new leader in defense. Luckily, they've got David Alaba.
The Austrian star joins Los Blancos after 11 incredible years with Bayern Munich, so expectations are naturally high. What's more, he's still only 29-years-old.
Alaba is among the best defenders of his generation and possesses the ability to work from various positions in defense, bringing some much-needed tactical flexibility.
His set-piece prowess is second to none and chips in with the occasional goal too. Alaba is also familiar with Ancelotti's tactics, having already played under the Italian once at Bayern.
Real Madrid are looking to rebuild after last season's disappointment and Alaba is certain to play a key role in their fortunes.
#1 Karim Benzema
When Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid, many predicted the side would be starved of goals without their goalscoring talisman.
Enter Karim Benzema. He's been there at the forefront of every Los Blancos success in the last decade but has always been eclipsed by more galmorous stars around him.
However, after the number seven's departure, he took the mantle upon himself and delivered the goods. In fact, the Frenchman's average from the last three seasons is 29 goals.
Naturally, Real Madrid will be banking upon him once again, as Benzema's rich vein of form in front of goal will be a driving factor in their hunt for trophies.
