Real Madrid: Roundtable predictions for the 2021-2022 LaLiga season
Real Madrid will start the new season by playing away at Alaves on Saturday. It’ll prove to be a tough game, but I expect Real Madrid to win this one, even with some players being out for one reason or the other.
Anyway, I gathered a few writers from the site and decided to do a roundtable, discussing all things Real Madrid, ahead of the new season. This is The Real Champs’ roundtable predictions for the 2021-22 season. Let’s get started!
Who’s going to be the most valuable player for Real Madrid this season?
Avi Nagar: Karim Benzema. After another summer of seemingly no incoming players, Karim Benzema will have the task to lead the team again. The Frenchman’s last three seasons have been nothing short of brilliant. He is in serious need of support from his teammates, and if the wingers could improve their contributions, Real Madrid could seriously win a trophy.
Benzema will likely score around 30 goals again and perhaps lead the team to some silverware.
Manas Pratim Sharma: Karim Benzema. There simply cannot be anyone else.
Prasanna Baidya: Karim Benzema. Big Benz has been the team’s MVP for the past three years and unless Kylian Mbappe signs for Los Blancos, that is not changing.
Hridyam Arora: Karim Benzema. It has to be him, there’s no debate here. His importance to the team was evident under Zinedine Zidane, and it should be the same under Carlo Ancelotti.
Kevin Parvizi: Thibaut Courtois. I was tempted to go with Karim Benzema again, but I actually think other players are going to step up in the attack a little more. Yes, Real Madrid will still be reliant on Benzema, but perhaps not as much as in the previous two seasons. Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois is going to mean even more to this team without Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, even if I do like what the current top three center backs have to offer.
More from The Real Champs
- Manchester City hold talks over Real Madrid target
- Real Madrid player confirms he is playing with a fracture
- Real Madrid superstar rejected Premier League clubs confirmed
- Spaniard ready to join Real Madrid instead of Liverpool
- PSG want €100 million Real Madrid player to replace Kylian Mbappe
Who’s going to be the most improved player at Real Madrid this season?
Avi: Eden Hazard. Due to two agonizingly difficult seasons, Hazard has a great deal of room for improvement. I expect the Belgian to finally get out of his injury struggles and regularly feature for the team.
When Hazard is in form, he is simply one of the best. In his last season with Chelsea, Hazard registered double figures in both goals and assists. If he could replicate these performances next season, that would massively boost the team’s chances to win a trophy.
Manas: Vinicius Junior. A lot is expected from the Brazilian this season. We might finally see some sort of improvement in his finishing under Carlo Ancelotti.
Prasanna: Miguel Gutierrez. Ferland Mendy is injured and Marcelo is a shell of his former self. Miguel will likely get plenty of minutes and will take LaLiga by storm.
Hridyam: Eder Militao has heaps of potential stored inside him, and he needs a manager that can unearth that. Hopefully, Carlo can be that manager for him. His chances will also be helped by the uptick in minutes due to the departure of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
I’ve always been a fan of Militao, and he showed what he’s capable of towards the end of last season. It’s time to build on that and get even better.
Kevin: Gareth Bale. Yes, Gareth freaking Bale. I have a good feeling about him contributing positively to this team, though, as with Eden Hazard, fitness and injury are the major concerns I have with this veteran forward. Bale has matured after realizing he needs to change his game, and I think we will see a different, but pretty effective, Bale under Don Carlo.
Who will be this season’s unsung hero for Real Madrid?
Avi: Thibaut Courtois. Although Real Madrid ended trophyless in the 2020/21 season, Thibaut Courtois had an appreciable individual campaign. The big Belgian was one of the reasons Los Blancos reached the semi-finals of UCL and were able to fight for LaLiga until the last matchday. He put up impressive displays consistently and was one of the best goalkeepers of the season. I expect Courtois to continue this streak of good performances next season.
Manas: Eder Militao is going to be great this season, but his performances will go unnoticed. As we’ve noticed at times, unless you’re a defender that scores goals, your performances can go under the radar pretty often.
Prasanna: Eder Militao. His presence in the starting lineup is now even more important with the departure of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos. If he manages to have a solid season, Real Madrid will compete on all fronts.
Hridyam: This one has to be Militao as well. The work that a centre-back puts in goes unnoticed sometimes, and if Real Madrid are to win any competition this season, it’ll be with the help of the players replacing Ramos and Varane. The things Varane did for Real Madrid during the three-peat era went under the radar but were hugely important. I expect Militao to do something similar.
Kevin: Isco. Once again, I am going with an out-of-favor veteran whom I may or may not have picked on a little bit at times in the past. Isco is still a very good creator, and he isn’t going anywhere due to his contract. Both he and Real Madrid know they need to make the most out of this season, and I think Carlo Ancelotti has a good role picked out for the ex-Malaga man. Isco is better than many people will have you think, and I like his chance of finding a niche role.
Who all are going to be the top three goal scorers in LaLiga?
Avi:
- Karim Benzema
- Luis Suarez
- Gerard Moreno
Now that Messi has left Barcelona, La Liga will miss a player who consistently scored 30 league goals. Messi’s departure would result in an open fight for the “Pichichi” award. I expect Benzema to finally win the top scorer award after he finished in the top 3 for the last three seasons. Luis Suarez finished as the 4th best scorer last season, as he guided Atletico Madrid to LaLiga Glory. Gerard Moreno also had an incredible campaign, as he helped Villareal win the Europa League. I expect these two to follow up on Benzema to complete the top three list.
Manas:
- Karim Benzema
- Memphis Depay
- Luis Suarez
Prasanna:
- Karim Benzema
- Memphis Depay
- Gerard Moreno
Hridyam:
- Karim Benzema
- Gerard Moreno
- Luis Suarez
Kevin:
- Antoine Griezmann
- Karim Benzema
- Gerard Moreno
What will LaLiga’s top four look like at the end of the season?
Avi:
- Atletico Madrid
- Real Madrid
- Sevilla
- Barcelona
Manas:
- FC Barcelona
- Real Madrid
- Atletico Madrid
- Sevilla
Prasanna:
- Atletico Madrid
- Real Madrid
- Sevilla
- Barcelona
Hridyam:
- Atletico Madrid
- FC Barcelona
- Real Madrid
- Sevilla
Kevin:
- Real Madrid
- Atletico Madrid
- Barcelona
- Sevilla
What do you expect the front three to be, and what do you expect from those players?
Avi: The new fitness and training system led by Antonio Pintus makes us feel optimistic about the upcoming season. Assuming there is no lengthy injury to any of the forwards, I expect Benzema, Hazard, and Bale to comprise the front three. That may be a bit over-optimistic, but if Ancelotti somehow manages to keep Bale and Hazard fit and motivated for the whole season, then the team would reap huge rewards. Ancelotti has previously worked with Bale and was able to make the best out of him. His task is to do so again. Hazard seems motivated to finally prove his worth in his third campaign at the royal whites.
My prediction is that Benzema will score at least 30 goals, and both Hazard and Bale will score at least 10 goals.
Manas: Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Rodrygo Goes. I expect Eden Hazard to join in too. From the preseason reports, he has been motivated to not continue being a failure at Real Madrid and has worked his way into fitness. Hopes would be high for the Belgian in what would be his make-or-break season. I expect Gareth Bale to shine on his second chance at Madrid, having him in form would be a big boost. From Benz and Rodrygo? Well, I expect last season’s form continued.
Prasanna: Benzema is a no brainer. Hazard if can stay consistently fit should be given the opportunity to get his form back. He can be a lethal player if he does. Given the options at right wing only Rodrygo can replace Bale but I think Ancelotti will go with experience. The Welsh Dragon can also give Real Madrid 10-15 goals if he stays fit even during an inconsistent season.
Hridyam: I expect to see a front line of Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale when everyone’s fit. Rodrygo replaces Bale and Vinicius replaces Hazard if they get injured.
Gareth Bale is a good and experienced player when fit. If Ancelotti is able to get the best out of the Welshman, he should chip in with a few goals. It should be more than what we got from the wingers last season, by how much is the main concern.
As for Hazard, I don’t really know. I think he’ll show an improvement, but that’s not hard to do considering the season he had last time around. But, if his Euro performances and his recent physical shape are anything to go by, I expect a good season from Hazard. If he’s able to stay fit, that is.
Kevin: Rodrygo Goes, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale with Hazard and Rodrygo splitting time as the main men on the left. I am not willing to make any proclamations about Hazard until I see him start for a month. So I do not want to hoist expectations onto him. Benzema, I expect more greatness. Bale? I am not sure what to expect, but I am optimistic. Rodrygo, to me, is the X-Factor. We know he has quality, and you don’t score a goal like this in your debut on accident. He can be a special player for Real, and I want to see Ancelotti help facilitate his first step to true stardom at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021-2022.
What’s your “hot take” for the season?
Avi: Real Madrid beat Barcelona in the semifinals of the Supercup and go on to win the trophy.
There are three Clasicos scheduled next season, two in the league, and one in the semifinals of the Supercopa de Espana. I predict Real Madrid will win the semifinal against the Blaugrana and then beat either Atletico Madrid or Atletic Club in the final.
Manas: David Alaba to Real Madrid to be one of the most effective transfers of the season and he’d be loved by the fans as the new No 4.
Prasanna: Isco will revive his career at Real Madrid. With injuries to Toni Kroos and Dani Ceballos, Isco will get consistent minutes and there is no better time than now to establish himself as a starter.
Hridyam: Eden Hazard will NOT face many injuries this season. I know. Shocking. That’s the point.
Kevin: Real Madrid will win LaLiga. Injuries and depth are their biggest questions, but I still believe in this defense. And the midfield is second-to-none. The attack has question marks, but I believe it will be markedly better than in the last couple of years, including when Real Madrid won LaLiga under Zinedine Zidane.
How do you see Ancelotti tackling the problem of lack of goalscoring?
Avi: Carlo Ancelotti may need to do some tweaks to make the team resonate. The Italian has stated earlier that he intends to implement an attacking structure at the club. And extracting goals out of wingers would be a central aspect of it. Keeping Bale and Hazard fit would automatically solve this issue. But in case that doesn’t happen, Ancelotti would have to look at the youngsters. Players like Rodrygo and Asensio have been playing out of position for the last couple of seasons. Shifting Rodrygo to left-wing and Asensio to a more central role could help scoring goals, as both have good finishing abilities. It is also crucial to improve Vinicius’ decision-making, as that could go a long way towards solving the issue. Additionally, the manager could make more efforts to integrate Jovic into the team and play according to his strengths. That would help in resting Benzema and providing a spark off the bench too.
Manas: Carlo Ancelotti will play his usual game involving the attacking midfielders as much as possible. He’d keep a high line with Real Madrid players instructed with relentless pressing. I foresee a high intensity tempo unlike what we saw under Zinedine Zidane. He would have his options both on flanks and straight down the pitch so Real Madrid can be seen rectifying their goal-scoring woes.
Prasanna: Ancelotti will play a more direct football compared to Zidane’s control-based football which might allow players like Jovic, Vinicius, Bale, Rodrygo more freedom to use their speed and verticality. This can lead to clear chances and more goals.
Hridyam: I think it involves a lot of off-ball movement by all players in the attack. Gareth Bale should have some freedom to roam in centrally and get into the box for crosses, and with Hazard, I expect Hazard stuff, just not as good as it once was. He’d be the line-breaking presence this team needs to cause chaos in the defense. If neither is able to remain fit, the Brazilian prodigies will take over.
Obviously, Karim Benzema’s going to have another amazing season, but you knew that already.
Kevin: Ancelotti will take a multi-faceted approach, using the midfield and movement in midfield in conjunction with a fluid attack to create overloads, interchanges, and the opportunity for runs to clear space for shooting opportunities. There will be more space and concerted movement under the experienced Italian manager, and his motivational tactics – not just his literal tactics – will boost players young and old alike.
Do you think Ancelotti does a great job, or does he get booted by December?
Avi: As has been the case with the last couple of teams managed by Ancelotti, I expect Real Madrid to start strong too. The seasons at Napoli and Everton both began well for him. Although both teams fizzled out in the end, I hope this doesn’t happen with Real Madrid.
This team is in transition, and getting the most out of it will be a big challenge for Ancelotti. But I still think he is capable of doing that.
Manas: Ancelloti in my opinion, will do a good enough job to see the season through. I don’t see him getting sacked or resigning. He’d use his make-shift adjustments if there are indeed no more transfers upcoming for the Whites. I fancy him to at least play two of his three seasons on contract.
Prasanna: Ancelotti is an experienced coach and his vertical approach to football will allow the team to be more entertaining and lethal. I think he will do well with the squad and compete in all fronts till the end of the season.
Hridyam: I think he gets sacked by December, but I don’t think it’s his fault. This team doesn’t look strong enough to compete for the league title, simply because they lost their two amazing defenders and the manager that fixed their defensive woes. I don’t really see Ancelotti neutralizing the effect of a worse defense by improving the attack by just that much, unless, of course, Kylian Mbappe joins. I won’t mind having to eat my words, though.
Go prove me wrong, Real Madrid. I dare you.
Kevin: Ancelotti was hired to be a caretaker manager, and he will do this job with class and effectiveness. Only a true disaster would cause him to be fired at any point in the middle of the season, and I do not think it will get to this point for Real Madrid in LaLiga. We will see with the Champions League, as last year showed us that competition is topsy-turvy. But I have confidence in Ancelotti, who has never flopped at a big job.
At last, where do you see “Los Blancos” finishing in all competitions this season?
Avi:
- LaLiga: Second place
- Copa Del Rey: Semi-finals
- UEFA Champions League: Quarter-finals
- Supercopa de Espana: Winners
Manas:
- LaLiga: Second place
- Copa del Rey: Quarterfinals
- UEFA Champions League: Quarterfinals
- Supercopa: Runners-up
Prasanna:
- LaLiga: Second place
- Copa Del Rey: Winners
- UEFA Champions League: Quarterfinals
- Supercopa de Espana: Runners-up
Hridyam:
- LaLiga: Third place
- Copa Del Rey: Winners
- UEFA Champions League: Quarterfinals
- Supercopa de Espana: Runners-up
Next. 3 reasons why Real Madrid will sign Erling Haaland. dark
Kevin:
- LaLiga: First
- Copa Del Rey: Quarterfinals
- UEFA Champions League: Semifinals
- Supercopa de Espana: Winners