La Liga 2018/19: How Real Madrid might line up this season

Defence

Right Back: Dani Carvajal

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Real Madrid started off their spending by bringing in the young and talented Alvaro Odriozola. The former Real Sociedad man signed a six-year deal and arrived for a price of 35 million Euros. His arrival saw Hakim Achraf go out on loan to Borussia Dortmund. But he has been brought in to compete with the undisputed no.1 starter for the position, Dani Carvajal.

Odriozola was a Lopetegui favourite in the Spanish set-up and he has followed him to Madrid. His arrival will make life tough for Carvajal who is likely to be the number 1 choice for the team this season.

Center-Backs: Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane

Madrid have 2 World Cup winning centre-backs in their ranks, 2010 winner Sergio Ramos and 2018 winner Raphael Varane. A young prodigy in Jesus Vallejo and an all-rounder in Nacho complete the deck of cards at Lopetegui's disposal. While their rivals, Barcelona, have signed the highly rated former Sevilla defender, Clement Lenglet, Madrid seem to be satisfied with the options that they have.

Left-Back: Marcelo

There are two genuine contenders for the position in the team. Marcelo and Theo Hernandez. Marcelo has been the best left-back in the world for quite some time. He has been an indispensable part of the squad since taking over from his idol, Roberto Carlos. There have been rumors about Marcelo leaving the club this summer and joining his former teammate and best friend Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus. Hernandez has also been linked with a move away from Madrid after a disappointing first season at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It is safe to say that Theo is more likely the one to depart. Marcelo won't be shipped off to another team until and unless there is a player who can fill the gap that will be left by his departure.

As things stand, that replacement could be Alex Telles. The Brazil-born FC Porto fullback is a lot like Marcelo. He is very adventurous and likes to make overlapping runs and play fruitful crosses to the target man. Madrid have reportedly sent officials to Portugal to negotiate a deal for the 25-year-old fullback who is rated at around 35 million euros. Even if Telles joins, he will not enter the starting XI without going a season or half as second fiddle to one of the best full-backs in the world, Marcelo.