Real Madrid: Zinedine Zidane’s evolution revolution – Who stays and who leaves?
By Ali Al Asadi
Having won three consecutive Champions League titles, and lost arguably their best player in modern history, it was never any doubt that Real Madrid’s season would be slightly more transitional. But the humiliating defeats at the hands of Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, Ajax in the Champions League, as well as falling out with the crowd at the Bernabéu faithful meant that emergency measures need to be taken.
Zinedine Zidane’s return to the club has sparked speculations of a new Real Madrid era. The Frenchman used nineteen players in his first two games and faces the ultimate task of getting rid of the deadwood and reinforcing an otherwise frail squad.
Florentino Perez has given Zidane full control over the in’s and out’s of the club, and a budget of 500 million euros to support him. But before looking at the never-ending list of potential Galactico signings, let’s analyze the fate of the current squad.
Goalkeepers
Thibaut Courtois (26)
Real Madrid has conceded 30 goals in just 24 games with the Belgian between the sticks, and while it’s easy to point fingers at Courtois, Real Madrid’s defenders and midfielders should be held just as – and if not more – accountable for this catastrophic record.
Similarly, David De Gea managed to turn his disastrous debut season at Manchester United and become a fan favorite, and as an optimist, I personally believe that Courtois is more than capable of doing so himself.
Verdict: Keep
Keylor Navas (32)
A Real Madrid veteran and example for every young aspiring goalkeeper. His story is both emotional and inspiring, and as a Real Madrid hopeful romantic, I would love nothing more than to see Keylor back in the first XI.
Zidane’s return could mean that this roller coaster fairytale might just have a chapter or two left.
Verdict: Keep
Luca Zidane (20)
Despite his rare start in La Liga in Real Madrid’s 3-2 late win against Huesca, it would be surprising to see Luca at Madrid next season with his contract expiring in the summer and Lunin’s return from loan.
Andriy Lunin (20)
With just three La Liga appearances with Leganes,20-year-oldr old will return to Madrid in the summer and go head to head with Luca Zidane for a place at the club.