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Domestically, the 2010s have not been the best decade for Real Madrid, with arch-rivals Barcelona dominating the La Liga for the most part. However, the Los Blancos have established themselves as the greatest club of all time in this sport, thanks to their dominating performances in the Champions League.
With 4 Champions League titles in the last ten years, this decade has been one of the most memorable ones in the Spanish club's history.
The club went through some transition phases and some brilliant managers, which included the likes of Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Zinedine Zidane.
The Spanish capital has always been a top destination for the game's greatest players and fans have seen some amazing Galacticos represent their club the last few years. Here, we make a list of the best Real Madrid XI this decade, and it includes some brilliant names.
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Defence
Goalkeeper - Keylor Navas
There is no doubt that Iker Casillas is the best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid. However, the former club captain was past his best after Madrid won the Champions League in 2014, and it was Keylor Navas who took over the position from him.
It was no easy task taking the goalkeeping mantle from Casillas, but the Latin American goalkeeper performed outstandingly well.
An integral part of the Madrid team who dominated Europe, Navas is still one of the best goalkeepers in the league. He represented Madrid with pride for over five seasons, and he is a great shot-stopper who steps up in clutch moments. He slides in here without much debate.
Right-back - Dani Carvajal
One of the most underrated players in the history of the Los Blancos, Dani Carvajal has been a consistent part of the back four for the past several years. The Spanish international joined Real Madrid in 2013, and he has been a vital part of the defence since then.
Appreciated by all the managers who have taken charge of Real Madrid, Carvajal is a no-nonsense defender who is quick on his feet and an able tackler. He is still only 27 and has a few great years left at the top of his game.
Centre-back - Sergio Ramos
This one is an absolute no-brainer - Sergio Ramos is the current captain of the Spanish club, and he has established himself as one of the best players in the history of the club. Taking over the captainship from Casillas in 2015, Ramos has been involved in some of the most iconic moments in Madrid history.
His equalising header in added time in the 2014 Champions League final against Atletico Madrid is one of the biggest moments in footballing history.
Madrid's highest-scoring defender, the Spanish centre-back is a dynamic personality who is tough as boots. Although often lacking in discipline, Ramos is one of the most clutch players in the history of the game and often leads through example.
Centre-back - Raphael Varane
Establishing himself as a first-choice centre-back under Jose Mourinho, Raphael Varane just makes this list over Pepe. The World Cup-winning defender has been a part of Real Madrid since 2011 but started making a name for himself in the 2012-13 season.
Since his first Champions League title with the club in 2014, Varane has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world.
The tall centre-back is agile, a great tackler, and a good passer of the ball. Still only 26, Varane has achieved almost everything in his career, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for this brilliant defender.
Left-back - Marcelo
Marcelo has been named to the FIFPro World XI six times, the UEFA Team of the Year three times and La Liga's Team of the Season in 2016. The left-back is one of the best fullbacks in the history of the game, and his chemistry with Real Madrid's forwards often makes the team's offence tick.
Marcelo has been a part of the Los Blancos for almost 12 seasons now, and he is still a menace every time he steps on to the field. The Brazilian international is renowned for his crosses and offensive ability and has stepped up frequently in a lot of big games.
Also check out:La Liga La Liga fixtures La liga table 2019-20
Midfield
Center-midfielder - Toni Kroos
Bayern Munich's sale of Toni Kroos is one of the biggest mysteries in the history of the sport. A world-class midfielder, the German international has been a vital clog in the Madrid midfield which has dominated Europe this decade.
Known for his vision and passing ability, the World Cup-winning player has been one of the best performers for Real Madrid in recent memory.
Named in UEFA's Team of the Year three times this decade and the La Liga side once, Kroos' flexibility and intelligence in midfield have been a massive asset for Real.
He is also a three-time inductee in the FIFPro World XI. The player is yet to turn 30 and he is still one of the most valuable players in the Madrid team.
Defensive-midfielder - Xabi Alonso
Pep Guardiola described Xabi Alonso as "one of the best midfielders I've seen in my life". You have to feel sorry for Casemiro here, who has done nothing wrong during his time at Madrid - but the former Liverpool midfielder was simply just too good during his time at Madrid.
Brought from Anfield to the Spanish capital in 2009, Alonso established himself as one of the greatest midfielders of this generation. A complete, consistent, hardworking and versatile midfielder, the World Cup winner was adept both on offence and defence.
The Spaniard was a fan-favourite with the Los Blancos, and his place here is well warranted.
Centre-midfielder - Luka Modric
Luka Modric was the player to break the Messi-Ronaldo hegemony when he won the Ballon d'Or 2018. A technically gifted midfielder who can control the game at his whim, the Croatian international is one of the best central midfielder's of this generation.
Signed from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modric has been named La Liga's best midfielder twice. The player has an unbelievable work rate and can shoot the ball from any distance with insane accuracy.
Modric is the type of player who is a manager's dream, and he slides into this team with ease.
Attack
Right-wing - Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale's past few months at Madrid have not been patchy, but there is no doubt that he has played a vital role in the club's success this decade. Signed from Tottenham in 2013, the Welsh international is one of the fastest players in the world, renowned for his crossing ability and his swerving shots from outside the box.
Bale scored the winner for Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool and has been involved in over 150 goals in 238 appearances for the Los Blancos.
Although his time at Madrid seems to be coming to an end, no one can say that Bale does not deserve a place on this prestigious list.
Striker - Karim Benzema
Has there ever been a player as underrated as Karim Benzema? Often overlooked and overshadowed due to his star teammates, Madrid's success this decade would not have been possible without the French international.
A supremely talented striker who can hold the ball, make great plays and has a brilliant shot inside the box, Benzema has been running the Madrid attack since the departure of a certain Portuguese superstar.
The striker has 233 goals and 126 assists during his time with Madrid - the latter stat proves how selfless and dedicated he is to his team.
Benzema already has 9 La Liga goals this season, and his importance to the Madrid team should never be in doubt.
Left-wing - Cristiano Ronaldo
Do we even need to explain here? Cristiano Ronaldo's signing in 2009 marked the beginning of Real Madrid's most successful era in the modern-day, and he has broken every single club record during his nine years with the club.
Although Alfredo Di Stefano might still be the greatest Madrid player, there can be no debate that Ronaldo is the best player to wear the royal white jersey.
Winner of 4 Ballons d'Or and 3 Golden Shoes while at Real Madrid, the Portuguese superstar is also the all-time leading goalscorer for the club, with 450 goals in 438 appearances. The Spanish club is a different team without him, and it remains to be seen if they can ever replicate their success without Ronaldo leading the attack.
