5 players Zinedine Zidane can sign as Real Madrid manager

The legendary Frenchman recently took charge of Real MadridAt one point in time, Zinedine Zidane was the best player in the world. He could see things on the pitch that nobody could and perform feats of artistry with the ball that not many could even think of. As a player, it could be said that he left nothing to be desired—except the yearning to watch him play once again.As a player, he knew what to do and when to do it. However, sitting on the manager’s throne and looking after that aspect of the game is a completely different thing altogether.A manager’s role is not only to set the tactics, but also to make sure all the players are content and match fit. There is also another area where the manager has to pay special attention: transfers.In a club like Real Madrid, where money isn’t a problem but the president’s intervention is, signing players according to the manager’s will doesn’t always happen. However, considering Zidane’s influence in the club, he might just get more freedom with signings than the previous managers.So, keeping everything in mind, here are 5 signings we could see the legendary French midfielder make as the manager of Real Madrid...

#1 Paul Pogba

Zidane will covet his fellow Frenchman to add steel and trickery to Madrid's midfield

Zidane is a long-time admirer of supremely talented French players—and there isn’t another French player more talented than Paul Pogba.

The Juventus star has been repeatedly linked with Barcelona over the past year and it seemed as though the Blaugrana would eventually snap him up before other numerous clubs that are after him. However, with the legendary French midfielder at helm for Real Madrid now, things could change.

There is no doubt that Zidane is a big fan of Pogba. Indeed, there were a few rumours of Zidane convincing Perez to sign Pogba, but nothing more surfaced on that front. Now, however, since he is the manager, the pursuit could be stronger given that Real Madrid do need an explosive midfielder to dismantle tough teams and Pogba could be their man.

And Pogba could end up with the archrivals of the club he is being touted to join.

#2 Eden Hazard

Zidane has been a long-time admirer of the Belgian maestro

If a list of Zidane’s most favourite non-French players is made, then Eden Hazard would top the list. The Belgian has constantly been linked to Real Madrid as a potential successor to Cristiano Ronaldo with Zidane being the biggest advocate of his.

While this signing would be a bit superflous given that Marco Asensio is waiting on the wings along with Jese—who, let’s not forget, looked like the natural successor to Cristiano’s throne pre-injury—one shouldn’t be surprised if the transfer does go through.

In accordance with the aforementioned point, this is a very Real Madrid-esque transfer: a flashy big-name player that is not really needed but will boost the shirt sales while—something that Florentino Perez loves.

#3 Aymeric Laporte

Laporte is exactly what Real Madrid need in defence

French. Young. Highly talented. And, most importantly, a defender. Aymeric Laporte is among the highly rated young defenders in the world and it is no wonder why Athletic Club are so keen to hold on to him.

He is also versatile as he can play at left-back if need be, a position in which Real Madrid are desperately short, and can form a decade-long partnership with Varane at the center of the defense. All that is needed now is Zidane’s approval.

However, one thing to consider would be the Blancos’ signing of another huge talent, Jesus Vallejo from Real Zaragoza, where he has been kept on loan. The 18-year old is already a starter for Zaragoza and, if all goes well, could become one of the greatest defenders produced by Spain.

So it remains to be seen whether Zidane would bring in another talented young defender and risk their game time.

#4 Marcos Rojo

Rojo might be an underwhelming signing, but Madrid are short on left-backs

An unlikely name, but it seems like he might as well turn out to be Zidane’s first signing.

Let’s get one thing straight here, Marcos Rojo is not a world class player. He is a decent left-back and a great utility player who can play in numerous roles. With Fabio Coentrao out of the club, leaving only Marcelo as the true left-back, Real Madrid are frighteningly short of a left-sided player and it remains a huge wonder as to how they didn’t address the issue in the summer.

But better late than never and, if rumours are to be believed, Zidane’s first move as a manager is to sort out the left-back crisis.

Marcos Rojo hasn’t featured a lot for Manchester United as injuries have kept him out. With his skillset, he would be the perfect understudy for Marcelo and the Merengues could do a lot worse than signing him.

#5 Alvaro Morata

The former Real Madrid striker has flourished for Juventus

This is as clear as the sky on a sunny day. From the moment he left Real Madrid, there was a high chance that he would come back given his ability as a footballer. He was like a raw and unpolished gem at Madrid and Juventus, with some patience, has made him shine like a diamond.

Right now, he is going through somewhat of a rough patch at Turin, with Allegri preferring the other forwards over him. However, whenever he plays, his willingness to fight for the team and covering every blade of grass while doing so is what makes him such a special player.

And this is the type of dedication that Madridistas love. With the buy-back clause in his contract about to become active next summer, there is a high chance that he would be bought back by the maestro. Agent Mino Raiola also claims that he will most likely play in a Blancos shirt next summer.