Real Madrid: Your questions our answers – Question corner #2

Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane (R) embraces Chelsea’s Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard (L) at the end of the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in London, on November 24, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

What are the best options for forwards to sign?

In my humble opinion, I believe Real Madrid needs both a consistent goalscorer and somebody with a little more flair to cause opposing defenders a little headache. It is no secret we’re lacking in front of goal since the departure of Ronaldo.

While Benzema has stepped up his efforts in front of goal, there is a lingering fear in terms of how much longer can he truly keep form. A great servant to Madrid during his tenure, his consistency has been called into question over the last few seasons which was fine because we had Ronaldo.

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The step-off from Benzema to the next best scorer is where the cracks are more apparent. In La Liga, the second most prolific scorer is Sergio Ramos. Bale, despite scoring Tuesday, has been incredibly inconsistent, Asensio who was meant to make the step from super-sub to starter has just a singular goal. Elsewhere? Lucas Vazquez is hit and miss with his form, Vinicius isn’t getting many opportunities, and Isco is at odds with Solari.

So, having identified that we are in need of some attacking reinforcement, who is there that is attainable? Eden Hazard seems to be playing cat and mouse with his intent on leaving, although he is attainable, it’s unlikely to be until next summer at the earliest.

The other option? Of course it is Neymar, however, it appears uncertain what the scenario is. One minute Florentino Perez is after him and then it’s reported that he is no longer pursuing him. However, recent reports suggest he could return to Spain as PSG look to appease the FFP controversy surrounding them.

Now, goalscorers, the interesting question: Who? One day it’s Harry Kane, then Robert Lewandowski and then Mauro Icardi – it is a merry-go-round. However, who is again the attainable targets?

Given Kane has just signed a new long-term deal and the hard-nosed nature of Daniel Levy, I’d say very unlikely at this point. Icardi is probably the more attainable of the two, however, I don’t see it happening until the summer and for a considerable amount of money.

It’s all the more frustrating when Madrid could have signed him when his £100m release clause was active. Hindsight is beautiful.

As for the James Rodriguez, I feel he could slot into midfield given the struggles of Luka Modric and the continued issues surrounding Isco. During the Roma game, Modric found himself in positions on the edge of the box where he could have shot but chose not too. These are scenarios we could use a player with James’ skill-set.

Alongside that, Madrid is struggling to break teams in low-blocks. Imagine the passing range that could be used by James and Kroos. Yeah, I’m drooling over the thought od that too.

I think James would be helpful in giving that extra attacking weapon that Isco and Modric just don’t have in terms of shooting. Oh, and how can we forget dead-ball situations?!

So to conclude, as I have rabbitted on quite considerably, Madrid certainly need some immediate impact in their attack. Though, they’ve left themselves in a tough position as all their ideal targets are signed to long-term deals and/or will work out more expensive than they could’ve been.

I’d like to see the club pursue talent on the verge of emerging like Anthony Martial, Leroy Sane, and Memphis Depay. All have potential to still reach but are all capable of starting and making something of an impact.