Five bold predictions for Real Madrid’s 2018/19 season
By Sachin Bhat
#3 Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema to forge a good attacking partnership
We have been down this road several times before, but this is the first time that the two are going to spearhead the attack. There’s no Cristiano Ronaldo shadow looming over them, so the spotlight will solely be on Madrid’s strike pair. The UEFA Super Cup game has already given us a glimpse of what Bale and Benzema can do in tandem, and there’s surely more to come in the season.
Bale’s recent years have been blighted by recurring injuries and long lay-offs. But after a summer off and a full preseason under his belt, he looks sharp and ready to take the talismanic mantle of the team.
Benzema too, had no World Cup commitments and was an active participant in the friendlies. Not to forget he has already opened his account for the season with a goal in this week’s Madrid derby, and will definitely be raring to add plenty more after a season of ridiculous struggle that saw him net only five goals in the league.
Regardless of whether the Whites set out in a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3, Bale and Benzema can find themselves starting almost every games and leading the line.
Neither of these players, on an individual level, come even remotely close to Ronaldo. But together, they can forge a fearsome attacking duopoly that can fire this team to great heights this season.