3 reasons why Real Madrid give Erling Haaland the best chance at the Ballon d’Or

Real Madrid already have the foundation

As Cristiano Ronaldo has found out after failing to reach the Champions League finals at Juventus and struggling now in his return to Manchester United, even the best forwards in the world can never achieve their goals without the right foundational pieces around them.

Ronaldo had one of the best midfields ever assembled and was part of a great attacking trident in Madrid. Even now, despite not having a superstar like Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland, Los Blancos have shown they are capable of putting major points on the scoreboard. Look no further than their 4-1 drubbing of Real Sociedad. No team in LaLiga has scored more than their 56, and this is considered a “bad” Real Madrid team by their standards.

In Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, Real have two of the best midfielders of the generation. Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema are great at creating chances. Haaland probably won’t play with Benzema often, but he will get to play with a peak Vinicius, who is only going to get better and more economical in the final third with his passing.

Then there are the center backs, Eder Militao and David Alaba, with Thibaut Courtois in goal. A strong defense is the foundation of a good attack, and Alaba’s world-class contributions to the build-up play exemplify that.

We also have to talk about the prospects. There are so many talented young players in Real Madrid. Rodrygo Goes has the makings of a great wide creator. Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde are the next big things in midfield. Antonio Blanco could be, too. Miguel Gutierrez looks special at left back. Loanee Takefusa Kubo is shining at Mallorca again. Brahim Diaz is intriguing, too. There are pieces here.

Haaland would get to work with a club that is serious about competing at the highest level and already has great players. They are already the best team in Spain, even with a questionable manager and a squad that isn’t *there* yet. Their mix of veteran talent and up-and-coming players makes them an intriguing sporting project and the kind of place where superstars can flourish as the final pieces to the puzzle.