Real Madrid: The strongest XI Zinedine Zidane must deploy
By Parshva Shah
Defense
Dani Carvajal (Right-Back)
After a woeful 2018-19 campaign, the Spanish full-back has proved himself to be indispensable. He has been the undisputed right-back for Real since returning from Bayer Leverkusen in 2013 and still is.
He has had more than a decent season, scoring once and assisting seven times in 32 appearances. Zidane will want the Spaniard to be consistent.
Raphaël Varane (Center-Back)
The towering Frenchman has had a season that is nothing short of stellar. He has been influential in defense and is the first-choice center-back alongside captain Sergio Ramos.
Sergio Ramos (Centre-Back)
Ramos forms one of the world’s best center-back alliances with Raphaël Varane and together, they have led Real to several defensive records this season and kept the opposition forwards at bay.
Ramos not only brings his defensive A-game to the table, he is a lionheart and his never-say-die attitude has bailed his team out from difficult circumstances, something that Real would desperately want if their backs are against the wall in any game.
Ferland Mendy (Left-Back)
Real Madrid’s No.23 has dethroned Marcelo from the left-back position. The debate will continue as to who is better: Mendy is a beast in 1v1 situations but lacks the offensive punch and flair that his Brazilian counterpart can provide.
However, with Eden Hazard having recovered from his injury, Mendy’s offensive contributions down the left flank can be overlooked.
Let’s not shy away from the fact that Mendy has performed better than Marcelo, who at 32, is showing clear signs of decline. Mendy is the unsung hero and will be vital to maintaining the defensive solidity that Los Blancos have managed to form over the course of the season.