5 likely benchwarmers at Real Madrid this season

2014/15 is going to be a big season one way or another for Real Madrid. Rafa Benitez will need his squad to hit the ground running if they are to make up any ground on last season’s treble winners, and Real’s eternal rivals, Barcelona.The Spaniard certainly has the experience and capabilities to bring his squad together and challenge on all fronts, but the demands from the boardroom will ensure that fringe players will remain exactly that. There is no room for sentiment this season, only success.As such, those players who might have held out hopes of a recall from Carlo Ancelotti – statistically Real’s most successful ever manager – will either be moved on or most likely sat on the bench.Let’s take a look at five of the unlucky ones.

#5 Raphael Varane

Can Varane displace either Ramos or Pepe in defence?

A surprise inclusion in this list. But Raphael Varane, for all of his defensive excellence, remains firmly a second choice defender to both Pepe and Sergio Ramos.

It is unclear at this stage whether Ramos’ posturing for a more lucrative contract will be held against him when it comes to selection, but the likelihood is that the Spaniard will retain his position at the heart of Los Blancos' defence with old stalwart and partner Pepe.

Only 22, Varane has age on his side and his attributes are certainly interesting Chelsea amongst others. Real don’t appear keen to cash in at this juncture but it would mean that the French international would be biding his time until injuries or loss of form give him an opening.

Hardly the ideal scenario for a player that is by common consent one of the most naturally gifted in the role to come along for some time. Varane is a player that deserves better. Much better.

#4 Jese Rodriguez

Jese Rodriguez has recovered from a serious injury but does he have a future at Real Madrid?

It’s now or never for Jese Rodriguez, and where Real Madrid are concerned, you would have to err on the side of never. There is simply no way that Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema or Gareth Bale will be dropped in favour of the striker.

A graduate of La Fabrica, Real’s academy, Jese has done little wrong since his rise to the top was confirmed. A serious cruciate ligament injury curtailed his progress, but the fact remains that his debut was four years ago and since then he has barely been given a chance.

Tall, strong and with an eye for goal, the 22-year-old is every inch the modern day centre-forward and remains more mobile than Benzema in that regard.

Given a run in the side, there is every reason to expect that he will pay his dues in goals. But like Alvaro Morata before him his chances will remain limited and he will probably need to seek his fortune elsewhere.

#3 Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard is only a teenager and will find games hard to come by at Real Madrid

Norway’s new Golden Boy evidently isn’t golden enough for an extended run in the first team. And at 16 years of age, that was never going to be a realistic ambition in any event.

Martin Odegaard had his pick of football clubs to join, some of whom would have guaranteed him the first team football he desired. Liverpool were one who put their cards on the table early, but it wasn’t enough to convince the player and his father.

Real made such a fanfare upon his arrival that noses were immediately put out of joint at Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s 'B' team. A rapid promotion into the senior side was, therefore, inevitable.

Except, unfortunately for the youngster, it has left him nowhere to go other than training with the seniors and the ever-so-slight possibility of the odd game here or there. Fans may perhaps see his name on the teamsheet in the early rounds of the Copa del Rey.

#2 Dani Carvajal

Will Dani Carvajal get game time after Real Madrid signed Danilo?

Dani Carvajal is another player that has done little to deserve a demotion to the sidelines. The 23-year-old's spiky temper has got the better of him on occasions, but that should in no way detract from the excellent wing-back play that underscored his performances throughout the 2014/15 season.

Perhaps lacking the inventiveness of Marcelo on the left flank, the young Spaniard nevertheless makes up for his shortcomings in that regard with a healthy work ethic and desire to give his best at all times.

He is the type of player who, when the chips are down, grabs the game by the scruff of the neck and drags his teammates along for the ride.

His is a dying breed and Real need new signing Danilo to tick all of the boxes from the first minute of the season in order that there is some justification to leaving out a player who has never let his side down.

#1 Isco

Will Isco be able to cement a regular place in the starting lineup this season?

What kind of team cannot find regular employment at the heart of its midfield for Isco? The £30 million signing from Malaga has only fleeting dalliances with the first-team to his name, and when every member of the squad is fit, as now, he doesn’t get a look in.

James Rodriguez’s injury during the last campaign gave the Santiago Bernabeu faithful a chance to witness at first hand the quality that the player brings to bear, and they responded with a standing ovation each and every time the player was handed a start.

It surely wouldn’t have been beyond the player's own expectations to keep his place given the form he was in at the time, but the Galactico buying policy of the club would dictate that as soon as James was fit again, he would take his place alongside Toni Kroos et al, leaving the 23-year-old on the bench.

In an expected 4-4-2 that Benitez wants to play, one of either Gareth Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo will be added to the midfield roster, limiting Isco’s opportunities even more.

Criminal.