Real Madrid: 5 burning questions after the completion of the 2020-21 season

How will Real Madrid look on the wings next season?

Karim Benzema scored 30 goals in all competitions, standing alone at the top of the mountain, as nobody else scored more than seven times for Los Blancos. That’s embarrassing for Real Madrid, considering the number of superstar attackers who have come through this prestigious club. Once the most feared attacking side in Europe, Real have been relegated to playing defense and hoping their control of games leads to a gritty, Benzema-led win.

Zinedine Zidane’s ability to transform the defense and the quality of the midfield, backline, and, of course, Thibaut Courtois have carried the day, but if Real Madrid truly want to compete for the Champions League title, they need a lot more from their attack.

And the wingers are the most suspect. Eden Hazard, as fate would have it, could not play on Matchday 38 due to an injury. As much as we love him and as talented as he is, Madridistas have known for months that they cannot count on anything from him at this point because of the constant injury woes.

Meanwhile, Marco Asensio is unable to take on the responsibility of a secondary goal-scorer at Real despite the occasional flash in the pan. Vinicius Junior is too young to take on that responsibility, and Real need to do a better job of protecting him. Rodrygo Goes has the potential to be special, but, ideally, he would continue as a rotational piece for one more season.

Real Madrid’s biggest need lies on the wings. Hence why Kylian Mbappe is such a prized target for them. He would fulfill both the need for a primary scorer to help Benzema and a winger who can open up the game offensively for the team.

But Real may have to sign more than one winger, especially if they decide to sacrifice Asensio. Maybe Brahim could be the “new signing” on the wing. It’s just unclear if he’s ready after spending just one season in a rotational role at the top flight.