Zinedine Zidane’s A and B team at Real Madrid
Zinedine Zidane has stated that there is no A or B team at Real Madrid as he instead will rely on the whole squad. But in crucial fixtures, who will he turn to? Let’s look at his possible A and B teams this season.
Zidane has said that each player will get minutes under his rotation policy at Real Madrid. He has proven that having already used 18 players in his first 4 official games this season.
However, last year there was a clear demarcation between the two sides. His A team was what he fielded in crucial Champions League and La Liga matches, the others started against weaker oppositions in the domestic league or in Copa del Rey fixtures.
Come these crunch games, will Zidane revert to his tried & tested strategy or put his money where his mouth is? Let’s look at the current squad and the possible demarcation that Zidane might use.
Goalkeeper
Unless Florentino Perez pulls some last-minute trick, Madridistas are resigned to the fact that David de Gea is staying put at Manchester United, for this season. While Keylor Navas showed a few vulnerabilities last year, he has earned the trust of key players and coaches and will continue to be the first-choice keeper. Kiko Casilla will most likely start the Copa fixtures with Luca Zidane as the reserve.
A Team: Keylor Navas; B Team: Kiko Casilla, Luca Zidane
Defenders
The two captains of Real Madrid are among the first few names to go on the team-sheet. Apart from being excellent defenders, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo are crucial to the Madrid attacking play. Marcelo’s skill and pace on the wing and Ramos’ wizardry in the penalty box saved/won many points for Madrid last season. Their presence on the field also lends a certain air of confidence to this side.
Raphael Varane has also developed to be one of the top center-backs in the world right now. While he is not the most aggressive with tackles, his pace to prevent counters and strikers running in behind the lines is crucial.
Dani Carvajal also proved last season that he is Zidane’s first choice right back, preferred over Danilo by the coaching staff and fans alike. Danilo came with a big money price tag and a certain reputation, but could not replace Carvajal and chose to leave for Manchester City to get more playing time.
While Nacho is a fan favorite and a more than able replacement across the defensive line, I doubt he will get the nod over these stalwarts if they are all fit. So is the case of Theo Hernandez, who looks promising from the first few glimpses.
A Team: Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane; B Team: Theo Hernandez, Nacho, Vallejo, Achraf Hakimi
Midfielders
In Zidane’s run as head coach, Madrid have become the bosses of midfield. While there was a clear chosen three last season in Casemiro (firewall defending), Luka Modric (creative positional play) and Toni Kroos (German precision passing), who dictated the pace of play at will, things are not as simple this season. This is where the real headache begins for Zizou.
Isco exploded onto the scene last season with exemplary performances. It was next to impossible for Zidane to keep him out for the Champions League Final, and Bale’s fitness was not the only factor there. On sheer merit, it was impossible to not pick him given the magic he was working with the ball. And he has started off this season in the same vein, was a treat to the eyes in the Super Copa first leg against Barcelona.
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Mateo Kovacic has impressed both as a holding midfielder and a creative midfielder. While he was a super sub last season, he is pushing his case this year and was particularly outstanding in the Super Copa second leg at the Bernabéu.
Coming to the boy wizard, Marco Asensio, there is not much I can say that hasn’t been said before. He seems to be the next big thing, the future Galactico of Madrid. Even when he is not scoring screamers for fun (he usually is), he looks like an exciting player who can make things happen.
Word on the street is that both Marcos Llorente and Dani Ceballos are very talented, and will fit well in this current Madrid system. But good luck to them in trying to find a place in this superstar-studded midfield.
A team (Assuming 4-4-2): Casemiro / Kovacic, Modric, Kroos / Isco, Asensio; B Team: Llorente, Ceballos
Forwards
Given the abundance of choices above, this seems like a simpler puzzle. If Ronaldo is fit and it is a crucial game according to Zidane, he will start. There is only one player whose stature and position cannot be questioned at Madrid, and that player continues to be Ronaldo. Period.
Gareth Bale is a curious case. He has shown flashes of brilliance but in short spells. Injuries have proved to be his undoing. He was supposed to take over from Ronaldo, but now certain sections of Madridistas question whether he is truly a Galactico anymore. While this could be a make or break season for him, he currently enjoys the support of both Perez and Zidane.
Same is the case with Karim Benzema. He is more than a striker, but his link-up play and intelligent positioning largely goes unnoticed. He has beaten Gonzalo Higuain, and now Alvaro Morata, to be the first-choice striker in the Spanish capital.
Lucas Vazquez is an ideal substitute, with commendable pace, commitment, and work-rate. His lack of goals, however, have worked against him in contesting for a starting spot. I haven’t seen much of Borja Mayoral, but it is safe to say that he is not making the first-team anytime soon.
A team (Assuming 4-4-2): Ronaldo, Benzema / Bale; B Team: Vazquez, Mayoral
Conclusion
I want to take a moment to conclude how ridiculously amazing this squad really is. Despite players like Morata, James, and Danilo leaving, this bunch looks stronger than ever.
Honestly, I was worried that Morata has left a hole which has yet to be filled. But having seen Asensio over the two legs against Barca, I am at peace now. And I wouldn’t bet against them in making it three Champions League titles in a row!
Next: What does Mbappé’s move to PSG mean for Real Madrid?