The defending champions definitely come across as the most in-form side in the Spanish top flight. Zinedine Zidane has completely transformed the way Los Blancos dictate their matches with his display in the 19-20 season.
While Real struggled to deal with the absence of Ronaldo under Lopetegui and Solari, Zidane has been the one to finally make the team work without their best goal-getter of all time. Let’s take a look at how the 2020-21 season will look like for the reigning La Liga winners.
Key Players
- Karim Benzema
- Eden Hazard
- Toni Kroos
- Casemiro
- Sergio Ramos
Now, I’ll admit that it was difficult choosing the key players given the quality that Real have in every position. However, the top 5 I’ve finally decided on are some of the best footballers on the planet and can turn matches around single-handedly.
Although Eden Hazard has not been able to replicate his form at Chelsea at the Bernabeu, the first season is always a struggle when you’re in new surroundings. The 2020-21 campaign could be the season where Hazard shows the Spanish league exactly why he was the best player in the Premier League.
Winning Points
While it might be up for debate, Real’s biggest asset is a manager that likes to take it simple. When Zidane saw that Madrid were not the same offensive machine that they were in his previous stint at the club, he adapted to the strengths of the players.
In other words, he transformed Los Blancos into the best defensive side in the division. They conceded the least amount of goals en route to their 34th La Liga title, at just 25. Thibaut Courtois has finally found his feet at the club and the numbers prove it as well.
Challenges
Real Madrid’s biggest challenge lies in preparing for the future. Most of their best players are in their thirties. While it does mean that the side has a great amount of experience, the same faces will not be there for too long. The 2020-21 season must be a passing of the torch to the younger generation.
Young players like Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Martin Odegaard, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. must show their best on the pitch. In addition, they must prove to the fans that they can deliver under pressure and that they have what it takes to be the best side in Europe.
Transfer Activity
As confirmed by President Florentino Perez, there will be no marquee signings in this transfer window. And in all honesty, Real don’t even need any this season.
While they have managed to sell James Rodriguez, Achraf Hakimi and Oscar Rodriguez they have also managed to send out the starlets to get some minutes under their belt. Cases in point: Brahim Diaz to AC Milan, Reinier Jesus to Borussia Dortmund and Takefusa Kubo to Villareal.
The only player in is Martin Odegaard, who impressed in his loan spell at Real Sociedad last season.
The only thing that they should be concerned about is their millionaire benchwarmer: Gareth Bale.
Now that is not to say that he is a bad player, quite the opposite actually. It is obvious that he doesn’t get along well with Zidane. In addition, he doesn’t want to stay at Real either as he has made it obvious in a recent interview.
The club would be wise to offload the Welshman for good this summer, after blocking his exit last season. Bale can be one of the best when he truly wants to be, and he isn’t in the mood for it at Real.
Read: Real Madrid are looking to sell these 8 players in 2020
Predicted finish: 1st
Although the challenges that Real face are not as daunting as a complete rebuild, they have enough quality to make it 35 this season. Zidane must give some thought to the future of the club during this campaign as well.
All in all, no other side in La Liga has the quality to compete with the extremely balanced Real Madrid that we are looking at right now. However, you can never truly tell in football.
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