Real Madrid: The superstar 11 they should have never sold

Real Madrid have a squad which is the envy of all top European clubs. However, they have let go of some players who could have still played a starring role for them. While Los Blancos have more often than not strengthened after these players’ departures, fans and pundits alike definitely feel that some of these players could have added a lot of value.

These players whom Madrid opted to sell have gone on to thrive in various other leagues such as Premier League, Ligue 1, Serie A and even in rivals teams. Without much ado, let us take a look at the best XI who Real Madrid have rejected (Note: Only Active Players have been considered)

Formation: 4-3-3:

Iker Casillas (Goalkeeper)

One of the greatest Real Madrid academy graduates of all time, Iker Casillas or San Iker, as he is fondly known, is a bonafide Real Madrid legend. The second most capped player ever for Real Madrid, Casillas had a long and glorious career with the La Liga giants, winning 5 La Ligas and 3 Champions League titles in his 16-year spell with Real Madrid.

However, after falling out with manager Jose Mourinho, The Spaniard failed to start regularly and was moved on by the Spanish champions in 2015. After initially struggling at Porto, Casillas started showing his class.

Easily the best goalkeeper in the League along with Benfica youngster Ederson, Casillas has shown he still has some life left in him. With Keylor Navas not having the best of seasons this time around, Casillas would have been extremely handy for Zidane and Real Madrid.

Juanfran (Right-back)

One of the best right-backs in world football at the moment, Juanfran has been a fixture in this extremely impressive Atletico Madrid squad under Diego Simeone. A Real Madrid youth graduate, Juanfran even made 6 senior appearances for the first team squad in 2004 and 2005.

After leaving Los Blancos, Juanfran made a name for himself as one of Spain’s best right-backs with some impressive performances for Espanyol and Osasuna before securing a move to Real Madrid’s cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid in 2010.

Although Juanfran missed a crucial penalty in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, his time at Atletico Madrid has generally been a very successful one. During his time with the Rojiblancos, Juanfran has won the La Liga title, Europa League, Copa del Rey and the UEFA Super Cup.

The 32-year-old has played a crucial role in Atletico Madrid challenging Real Madrid for top honours in the past few seasons.

Ezequiel Garay (Centre-back)

Part of Real Madrid from 2008-2011, Ezequiel Garay was considered to be one of the most promising young defenders in world football. A move to Benfica reinvigorated his career and then when Garay was linked with a move to the Premier League, he surprisingly made a cash rich move to Russian side Zenit St.Petersburg.

A starter for the Argentina national team, Garay is known for his calm, composure on the ball and excellent tackling skills. Currently playing for Valencia, Garay was one of the few players who emerged out of this horror season for Los Che with some credit.

While Real Madrid have not really missed his services, Garay is good enough to be a starting member in most of the top squads across Europe.

Raul Albiol (Centre-Back)

Raul Albiol is another Spaniard who spent a considerable amount of time at Real Madrid. A solid centre-back who even plays for the Spain senior national team, Albiol left Madrid along with Callejon to play at Serie A side Napoli.

A solid centre-back with loads of experience in the top flight, the 31-year-old is currently one of the main reasons for Napoli’s impressive performances in Serie A. Albiol has won trophies wherever he has played so far.

Winner of the Copa del Rey and UEFA Cup at Valencia, A La Liga and a Copa del Rey winner at Real Madrid and a Coppa Italia winner at Napoli, Albiol might not be one of the most eye-catching players, but he has certainly been effective wherever he has played.

Marcos Alonso (left-back)

One of the key players in Chelsea’s incredible Premier League title triumph this season, Spaniard Marcos Alonso was actually a Real Madrid academy graduate. Part of the senior squad in the 2010-11 season, the impressive wing-back was moved on after a solitary league appearance for Los Blancos.

Moving to then Premier League side Bolton Wanderers, Alonso showed glimpses of his huge talent with some impressive performances for the Trotters. However, Alonso really established himself as a top player in Serie A side Fiorentina.

His impressive performances in the wing-back role for the Italian side drew the attention of Antonio Conte who wasted no time in getting him to Stamford Bridge. The move has paid off spectacularly for both Alonso and Conte with the Spaniard playing a crucial role in Chelsea’s stellar 2016/17 season.

Saul Niguez (Central Midfielder)

One of the brightest young talents in world football, Saul Niguez has been earmarked to achieve great things in the near future. A versatile player, Saul is capable of playing in multiple positions such as winger, defensive midfielder and even as a playmaker with equal aplomb.

Wanted by all the top clubs across Europe, Saul Could have grown up to be a Real Madrid legend has the Los Blancos paid more attention to him when he was in their youth academy from 2006-2008. One of the key reasons in leaving Real Madrid was the bullying he faced on a regular basis. Regarding his time in Madrid’s youth academy, Saul said:

"A lot of things happened off the field. The sporting side went well but some things happened which shouldn't happen to a kid of 11, 12 years of age. I had my boots stolen, my food, I was punished for something I didn't do and I wasn't allowed at the training ground in Valdebebas for two weeks.”

Currently one of the best players in the Atletico Madrid squad, Saul has very much found solace in the values Atletico Madrid epitomise:" Atleti is not just about the club crest, an emblem - it's all about the club's values: a way of living life. Humility, hard work, sacrifice, unity, the importance and strength of the team.”

Real Madrid will really regret not paying closer attention to this wonderfully talented 22-year-old.

Juan Mata (Central Midfielder)

Manchester United star Juan Mata is one of the most successful Real Madrid academy graduates of all time. Winner of a World Cup, Euro Championships, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Europa League and 2 FA Cups, Juan Mata was deemed not good enough for the Real Madrid first team squad in 2006.

After playing the 2006-07 season for Real Madrid Castilla, Mata joined Valencia in 2008 where he made a name for himself as one of the game’s premier playmakers. After 4 extremely successful years with the Los Che, where he formed a deadly partnership with David Villa, Mata soon secured a big money move to Chelsea.

One of Chelsea’s most loved players, Mata arguably played some of his finest football and was voted the club’s best player on 2 successive occasions. However, the arrival of Jose Mourinho saw his opportunities reduce and he soon made a move to Manchester United where he is ironically once again playing under the Portuguese manager. Still only 29, Mata is definitely one of the most gifted and talented Real Madrid academy graduates to emerge in the last 15 years.

Mesut Ozil (Attacking midfielder)

A fan-favourite at Real Madrid, Mesut Ozil was surprisingly sold by Carlo Ancelotti in 2013. Sold to Arsenal to fund the arrival of Gareth Bale from Tottenham, Ozil continued his good work for the Gunners contributing goals and assists regularly.

Ozil was so highly rated by former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho that the Portuguese manager even said once:

"Özil is unique. There is no copy of him – not even a bad copy."

An elegant left-footed player, the German along with Sanchez is probably one of the two world-class players at Arsenal. Ozil has now and again been questioned for his defensive work-rate, but his contribution to the attacking-third make him one of the best players in world football at the moment.

Angel Di Maria (Left Winger)

One of Real Madrid’s most consistent performers under Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, fans were absolutely distraught when Los Blancos decided to sell him after winning the Champions League in 2014.

Di Maria spent an extremely fruitful 4 years at Real Madrid (2010-2014) where he became a fan favourite. Upon his departure, the Argentine even penned an emotional open letter to the fans saying that he never wanted to leave the club.

His excessive wage demands were the reason given by the Madrid board while selling him, but the PSG man was not happy with those allegations. After departing Madrid, Di Maria spent a solitary season at Manchester United before moving to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Di Maria is undoubtedly one of the star men for Ligue 1 giants PSG. There have been rumours of Madrid being interested in getting their former player back to replace James Rodriguez, and it will be interesting to see where the Argentine will be playing next season.

Arjen Robben (Right winger)

One of the best players in the world when he is fit, Arjen Robben is a Bayern Munich legend who is still at the very top of his game even though he is well above 30. The 33-year-old winger has enjoyed a renaissance of sorts this season after he has managed to keep himself injury free.

16 goals in 37 games this season, for Bayern Munich this season has shown once again why age is just a number when it comes to Robben. Despite the many injuries in his career, the Dutchman still has explosive pace and his left-footed shots have given many memorable moments to the Bayern Munich faithful.

One of the best players of this generation, Arjen Robben was definitely not given a fair chance to succeed at Real Madrid. Having lost to his former employers in the Champions League this season, the veteran Dutchman will be hoping to win Europe’s premier club competition next season.

Gonzalo Higuain (Striker)

Ever since Higuain has made the move from Real Madrid to Italy, the Argentine striker has looked almost invincible. Impossible to play against at his best, the former Madrid striker almost single-handedly guided Napoli to the Serie A title in 2015/16 season breaking a number of goalscoring records in the process.

A hardworking striker and a prolific goalscorer, El Pipito made a highly controversial move to Juventus at the beginning of this season, but he soon won over the Old Lady’s fans with his many match-winning displays.

While Higuain might not have been as prolific as he was last season, he has still managed to score 32 goals in 57 games and the Argentine will be determined to score against his old club in the upcoming Champions League final.

This ends our 11 of former active Real Madrid players who are still extremely successful for their respective sides. Do you agree with our choices? Let us know in our comments: