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#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.
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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.
