Q&A: Our predictions for Real Madrid’s upcoming season
What changes do you think are absolutely necessary for the Real Madrid squad?
Ben Sundock: There needs to be more creativity in the formation and lineups Zidane rolls out. His experiment with the three defenders and two wing backs has been not only interesting but successful. Marcelo and Dani Carvajal are offensive-minded defenders, so why not let them push up field? With three defenders and Casemiro staying back, this could be hugely beneficial and gives Zidane flexibility.
Hasan Karim: I think a more dynamic player in midfield is definitely required in the Spanish capital. With Luka Modric advancing in his years, Real need somebody capable of carrying the ball in the middle of the park. Kroos has never been known for exceptional movement, neither has Casemiro. Considering the links to the likes of Paul Pogba and Donny Van De Beek, both players would have helped energise the midfield. However, with reports of James Rodriguez remaining at the club, the issue may be solved without needing to spend as the Colombia international is capable of bringing goals to a midfield that so badly lacks them.
Ali Al-Hassan: We have become predictable so it was extremely refreshing to see that Zidane has tried various formations throughout preseason. It may look like some experiments didn’t work but nothing is expected to be perfect from the first try and that’s the reason that we have preseason matches. People focused on scorelines but that is only important starting on Saturday. Having said that, I’m worried about the importance Zidane places on his “old guard” particularly Marcelo and Luka Modric. I feel that this could possibly be our downfall this season but I genuinely hope I’m wrong!
Nithanth Ravindran: The most necessary changes for the Real Madrid squad is the replacement of the old guard. While that is not going to happen in one window, it is something that has to be started in this window. The problematic part is that Zizou still seems to trust them and has been mostly been playing them instead of turning and looking to the younger players. Thankfully though, the players who need to be replaced the most have replacements in the squad except for Modric. So the biggest need for this squad at this moment is the arrival of another midfielder.
Aakanksha Sharma: Last 1.5 years have shown us that the core has aged and needs to be phased out. They can’t be relied upon to carry the team for the entire season. Ronaldo, who mostly bailed them out, is not there anymore. So they didn’t need promising youngsters this window, or even the last window. We needed first teamers, sure shot starters. Which is clearly lacking. Midfield has some glaring issues, and I am honestly surprised that Modric hasn’t moved on yet, he is clearly past his prime. Isco’s form has been extremely uneven, James is frozen out by Zidane, Bale & Mariano are hanging somewhere in the middle. As things stand, the team will struggle for service / build up and will have to start Castilla players in case of a few injuries. I also wish there was another CB, since Ramos can’t keep up with the intensity of back to back league matches anymore.
Yasheel Vyas: The squad looks almost complete apart from the midfield. The midfield lacks depth this season which used to be Madrid’s strongest unit in the past few seasons. Zidane relied on the immense squad depth to lead us to one of the best seasons in the clubs history in 2017. This time the midfield looks weak with an ageing Modric and after the sales of Ceballos, Llorente and Kovacic it lacks depth too. I think James should be kept and should be playing as first choice at right wing. The right wing spot is the weakest in Real Madrid’s current squad though we have depth in that position with Kubo, Rodrygo and Brahim but they lack experience. The experienced players like Bale and James are out of favour and Asensio injured.
AJ Desai: Midfield. It is thin at best. I am not sure how long Modric and Kroos will be able to keep it together but when it comes to giving them rest, what are our options? Zidane has to figure that out. Did not purchase a midfielder yet.
Ali Malik: A replacement for Kroos seems necessary given the defensive issues his inclusion poses for us. We also need a proper solution for the RW now that Asensio has unfortunately gotten injured and will miss the season. Fixing one of these two issues could give us a baseline for the season but I really have a hard time seeing us being successful in La Liga if both issues remain.