Real Madrid are not in decline despite failing to replace Cristiano Ronaldo 

Real Madrid are the defending European champions, and they have been so for the past three years. Yet, they seem to be in severe decline. At least, its what the most 'sensible' football fans and journalists say (don't count me). Even after three successive continental titles, the fans, the pundits, still want more. They expect them to win every time and when they fail - which they have been doing a lot this season - it feels like a disaster.

Any guesses why? Many think because a certain player called Cristiano Ronaldo, scorer of 450 goals in 438 games, left before the start of the current season . But let me put it straight: Real Madrid are not struggling. They've just come off one of the most painful transfers in their history. Now they are playing catchup with the rest of the field. Normally, it takes two to three years for any normal club to rebuild after selling your best player. But Real is not a normal club. They are renowned for their sense of urgency. After all, this approach has brought them 13 European titles, 33 La Ligas and much more. The fans want to see a replacement now. But they don't understand that there is no direct replacement for 'CR7'. Players like Neymar, Eden Hazard, Paulo Dybala may come and try and fill the void but nobody can do what CR7 did; score goals in almost every match.

Real didn't buy any of the above mentioned because they were in no rush. They wanted to see how the team adapted to life after Ronaldo. This was always meant to be a season for transition. They didn't feel the need to splash the cash in today's crazy market just for the sake of buying or to please the most impatient fanbase. This is because...........

They have a plan.

A plan for the future. It all started in the summer of 2013 when Isco was bought from Malaga for around 30 million euros at the age of 21. In 2014 they signed arguably the two best players coming from the World Cup. Toni Kroos at 24, the world champion, and James Rodriguez at 23, the Golden Boot winner. In 2015 they brought back Casemiro and Lucas Vazquez aged 23 and 24 respectively. Mateo Kovacic, then 21, was brought from Inter. Marco Asensio also arrived for a paltry 3.5 million euros and made his debut in 2016 aged 20.

In continuing this policy Real Madrid now typically buy players aged under 23. The recent recruits this season are:

1.) Andryi Lunin (20)

2.) Alvaro Odriozola (23)

3.) Brahim Diaz(19)

4.) Vinicius Junior(18)

5.) Rodrygo Goes (will join from 2019) (18)

Looking at players on loan

The players loaned include out Mateo Kovacic (24) at Chelsea, Achraf Hakimi (20) at Borussia Dortmund, Martin Odegaard (20) at Vitesse. They also have talented youngsters like Dani Ceballos (22), Marcos Llorente (23), Fede Valverde (20).

Their depth looks frightening, and even though these players are unfinished products, they are some of the hottest prospects in world football.

Now throw in Eden Hazard, Neymar or Mbappe into the mix and you have a deadly team terrifying defences, day in and day out. With proper guidance, these players have the potential to be stars of the future.

An example of a transfer

Real Madrid are building a new squad filled with youth and experience

Recently Barca spent 75 million euros on Frenkie De Jong; a central defensive midfielder, while Real Madrid had bought both Vinicius and Rodrygo for a combined 85 million euros. This is stunning business considering the latter two are versatile forwards.

Vinicus Jr. has been a standout performer for Real Madrid this season

Vinicius has been impressive this season, contributing to at least 10 goals and assists in his debut season. He has become a key member in the team and a reference point in attack. Next season he will be paired with Rodrygo, another Brazilian forward. Only time will tell how good they can get together.

The forgotten kid

Martin Odegaard has undergone a career resurgence, with four goals and six assists in 24 appearances; fantastic numbers considering the team he currently plays for and the level of his teammates. Apart from the stats, his overall play has significantly improved.

Not so bad as you think

Real are still alive in at least two competitions (the Copa Del Rey and the Champions League), as the La Liga may be out of their reach now.

But, considering what they have gone through, still hanging there for the biggest trophies is an achievement in itself.

Real Madrid have a definite plan for the future. Truly, selling Ronaldo, was by no means an easy decision. But they had to bid him farewell someday. That day, unfortunately, came earlier than expected. But life moves on and hopefully, Real Madrid will definitely too.