5 problems Real Madrid need to fix before the start of next season

With 33 La Liga titles and 12 European cups, Real Madrid are one of the most successful clubs in the world of football. They won both the Champions League and La Liga last season, and also beat Manchester United to win the UEFA Super Cup.

Real Madrid are doing great in the Champions League, however, the team's form in the La Liga is concerning and they are currently behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Despite a star-studded first team, the team hasn't clicked in the domestic competitions so far, so Zidane needs to iron out the issues.

Without much ado, here is a look at the five problems that Real Madrid needs to fix in order to win the La Liga title next season.

---

#5 Fix the goalkeeping issue

Keylor Navas has failed to provide the same consistency as Iker Casillas

Goalkeeping is a major concern for Real Madrid ever since Iker Casillas departed the club. They have signed Kiko Casilla and Keylor Navas to replace the former Spanish international, but both failed to provide the same level of consistency that Casillas provided.

While Navas has had a stellar campaign last time, the consistency has been missing this season. Casilla, on the other hand, hasn't been able to make the most of his chances in the Cup competitions. Moreover, both of them are already in their early 30s which is a clear indication that Madrid must sign a world-class goalkeeper who can be a long-term solution.

Real Madrid tried to sign David de Gea in the past but his current employers were reluctant to sell him.

But with transfer window re-opening soon, they should make another approach. The likes of Thibaut Courtois and Kepa Arrizabalaga are also pretty good backups.

#4 Lack of quality squad depth

Real Madrid need to add more depth to their squad

Real Madrid sold/loaned a few important players like Alvaro Morata, James Rodriguez, Pepe and Danilo in the summer transfer window of 2017 for good money but didn't replace them adequately.

Madrid is lacking players on the bench who are capable of making an impact and winning tight games for the team. Last season, the likes of Morata and Rodriguez could change games, but we haven't seen that this time.

There are a few good young talents -- Achraf Hakimi and Jesus Vallejo -- but they need to be eased into the first team picture.

So, in order to bring back the Spanish crown to Madrid next season, Zidane and the board need to stay super active in the summer transfer window.

#3 Back-up for Dani Carvajal

Dani Carvajal struggles with injuries this season

The defence has been a major concern for Real Madrid this season. They have already conceded 30 goals this season, more than double the goals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have shipped in.

Davi Carvajal is a good player and has been a regular starter in the team for the past couple of seasons, but even he isn't immune to injuries as we've seen this season.

Zinedine Zidane has used Achraf Hakimi this season, but he is too young and inexperienced to do the job on a regular basis.

There is no shortage of good fullbacks in the transfer market and perhaps it's time they spend big money in shoring up the problematic right-back position.

#2 Find a replacement for Gareth Bale

Injuries hampered the development of Gareth Bale

Real Madrid had high hopes from Gareth Bale when he was signed from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013. Though the Welshman is supremely talented, regular injuries have hampered his progress.

Bale has failed to reach the 25-game mark in the last two seasons, and Real Madrid need a player who can perform on a more regular basis.

The club have been linked with Eden Hazard for quite some time now and the Chelsea man could be the perfect signing for Real Madrid.

Mohamed Salah and Paulo Dybala are others who are also capable of replacing Bale at the Bernabeu.

#1 Replace the misfiring Karim Benzema

Karin Benzema is inconsistent in front of goal

The Frenchman joined Los Blancos in 2009 as a powerful 21-year-old striker to lead the line alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Benzema has enjoyed a fruitful spell at the club so far. His first few years were so good that even Gonzalo Higuain was forced to leave in search of regular game time.

However, the French striker is struggling with his form this season and has scored only 4 goals in 22 La Liga games, which is not a healthy return for forward plying his trade at Madrid.

The fans have been pretty vocal as well and rarely do we see games without a chorus of boos when Benzema misses a chance or is subbed off.

Real Madrid has been heavily linked with the English striker, Harry Kane, and the England International will be a dream signing for Real Madrid. Robert Lewandowski is another forward who could be in the market and Madrid have been linked with the Pole as well.