Real Madrid: Roundtable predictions for the 2022-23 season

Alright, here goes. Roundtable predictions for Real Madrid’s 2022-23 season. Couldn’t really get the whole crew here, but it was very fun regardless. Lots of questions, lots of answers. Let’s get into it.

Who is going to be Real Madrid’s player of the season not named Karim Benzema?

Ali Al Hassan: It’s a difficult choice with the quality we have but I’m going to have to choose Thibaut Courtois. He was sensational last season, has had a strong preseason and looks ready for the upcoming campaign.

Divyam Agarwal: Eduardo Camavinga. Camavinga has impressed me and certainly all the Madridistas the most during his debut season in the royal white, and the pre-season was nothing short of an exhibition of his skills. I believe the player will have an explosive season and will contribute more directly to the club in winning competitions. The 2022–23 season is going to bring the Frenchman greater fame, which should start with giving him a lot more playing time. With all the tackles, interceptions, brilliant moves, and dribbles, Camavinga is just getting started.

Eesh Jhamb: Vinicius Junior. One of the reasons Karim Benzema was able to score so many goals this season.

Hridyam Arora: I am going to go with a curveball and say David Alaba. Of course, you have your Courtois’ and your Vinis, but I was so impressed by his performances last season, and I think that with another great centre-back in Rudiger accompanying him, Alaba would become an even bigger leader than he was last season, and he will make everyone around him better.

Tushar Mahajan: I choose Fede Valverde as the player who’ll be the MVP of the season apart from Benzema. Last year, as the season entered the business end, his energy and versatility shone through. His vigour and energy even in the 120th minute is just commendable. This season I predict he’ll take the leap and cement his place as an indispensable figure on the side.

What is the midfield combination that will be used by Ancelotti the most over the course of the season?

Ali: Casemiro, Kroos, Modric. The others will get plenty of opportunities but Ancelotti trusts the three midfielders who have consistently managed to deliver.

Divyam: I believe Ancelotti will alternate between the Kroos-Casemiro-Modric three and the Camavinga-Tchouameni-Valverde combo, with the latter earning more appearances together and the former creating a foundation for the club’s next generation of players. I believe the KCM trio will serve as mentors to the team’s new talents, but the number of minutes will also rely on the situation on the right flank, as if no moves are made, Valverde may be favoured there over Asensio and others, perhaps splitting the newly formed trio. Furthermore, more critical games, such as cup knockout stages, will continue to fall under the purview of the KCM trio’s vast expertise.

Eesh: Camavinga, Casemiro and Modric. Camavinga will have the Toni Kroos role. Kroos will feature more in crucial games but overall with a reduced role because he cannot provide much energy in the midfield. Modric will get rest during the World Cup time. Tchouameni will have a big role but as a substitute. Valverde is not considered as I think he’s going to play a lot more on the wings.

Hridyam: I think the season would start off with the usual KCM trio, but, Tchouameni will become a fixture in midfield once he gets enough reps. Ancelotti might still go with the KCM trio in the big games, but I think Tchouameni has a huge shot at being the first player in literal years to break into that midfield.

Tushar: Carlo will start the season with KCM as the starting midfield obviously but I predict as the season progresses, Camavinga will become more prominent and by the end of the season we’ll have a midfield of Kroos/Modric, Casemiro, Camavinga and Fede

Who’s going to be the most surprising Real Madrid player and why?

Ali: It’s hard to pick one but I’ll go with Tchouaméni. Many people do not know the small details of his game and what he can offer. This could be a big and positive surprise to many unfamiliar eyes.

Divyam: Since the day Real Madrid reclaimed Vallejo, there has scarcely been a single incident in which he has delivered a subpar performance, but the fans have always been extremely unpleasant and rude to him. The Spaniard has proven to be a highly solid alternative whenever required, and if he remains – as I believe he will – he will put up a stiff battle against all of the defenders at the spot.

Vallejo will be a major surprise to all the questions thrown at him, and if he gets minutes against inferior opponents, ideally in Copa Del Rey, he will finally earn his goodwill and confidence in Ancelotti’s eyes.

Eesh: Dani Ceballos. The way he is seeming to improve, he will have a great season and might get a contract extension at the club. He will have more playtime due to World Cup and I’m hoping to see him prove his worth.

Hridyam: I’ve seen everyone hype up Eden Hazard for the upcoming season, and as much as I’d love him to get back to his incredibly high levels, I just think Real Madrid fans are going to be left disappointed. I’d love to be proven wrong.

Tushar: Rodrygo could be a player that I feel won’t really prove to be the player everyone is hoping for. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, most of his influential performances last season came off the bench. Therefore the impact of those cameos feels a lot more extravagant. Secondly, I still feel his best position is on left rather than the right wing. And I predict that Carlo will keep on using Fede as the pseudo right winger in big games.

How difficult would it be for Real Madrid to win LaLiga again after Barca’s transfer window?

Ali: It won’t be as “easy” as last season but it’s doable. Barcelona have made some massive signings but Real Madrid is a team with small adjustments and ready to compete. Barcelona players may need time to gel and that advantage will work in Real Madrid’s favor.

Divyam: In my judgment, it will be extremely difficult for Real Madrid to win La Liga for the second time in a row, since it looks that Barcelona have finally grown out of their transitional period, and with a transfer window so hefty and star-studded, they will give the title defenders a tough battle. I believe Barcelona will win La Liga next season, and for Real Madrid to win it, substantial changes must be made in the attacking area, as Los Blancos cannot rely on Benzema for the entire season. Barcelona were in chaos last season, but that is no longer the case.

Eesh: Very difficult. They will have more control defensively making it very difficult for Real Madrid to break through. More upgrades are needed for Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti will have to be 100% spot on with his tactics for the season. I want to be proved wrong, but it seems like Barcelona will steal the league title, even though it will be a very close battle.

Hridyam: I think Barcelona are going to win the title, but it will be really close. I do think there is a chance Real win it, but I just look at Barcelona as the more consistent side domestically, and after the players that they have signed, I think Barcelona will end up winning the league by a point or two.

Tushar: It would be quite a challenge for Real Madrid this season. Barcelona have done a 180 with their squad. Players like Lewandowski, Raphinha, Kounde etc. will elevate Barca to a new level. They’ll definitely add energy and freshness to them. Real Madrid must be wary of their team. We have to be consistent in the league trying to win almost every match. In my opinion, El Clasicos have a lesser impact on the league table. It is the performance against lower-ranked sides that determine the fate of the league. Real Madrid must not falter and find a way to win against teams that play in a low block.

Top 3 scorers (no explanation, just predictions)

Ali: Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes

Divyam: Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes

Eesh: Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes

Hridyam: Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes

Tushar: Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Marco Asensio

Real Madrid’s most improved player:

Ali: Rodrygo. He ended the season on a high note and gained Ancelotti’s trust. He could be very influential this time around.

Divyam: Eden Hazard. Yes, the Belgian will inevitably become everything that has been desired of him since 2019. He will grow out of his negative colouration and offer Madridistas his finest performance. The athlete has, in my opinion, been in his best physical form ever since 2019, and the removal of the ankle plate following the surgery will provide him with the comfort and room he has always craved. The fans have been excessively critical of him in preseason without recognising the season hasn’t yet begun, and the last game of the tour against Juventus has given the player a lot of optimism and a head start, giving me the confidence and instincts to suggest he’ll be one of the bests again.

Eesh: Rodrygo Goes. Even though Fede Valverde will start ahead of him, he will have a much greater role and with the way he ended the season, he will have a great time next season. He will thrive on both the wings, and might get a good amount of playtime on the left wing when Vini needs rest.

Hridyam: Fede Valverde has already taken huge leaps over the course of his Real Madrid career, but this time, he’s going to take one offensively. He’s going to get even better on the wings, and provide Real Madrid with a lot more going forward than he did last season. It’s going to be so fun.

Tushar: I know there is not much scope or hope realistically speaking but Hazard is one player who should improve upon his performances. In any case, the bar is so low that any contribution by him could be deemed as an improvement. Yet, I feel he’ll get a few more chances this season to showcase his skills and he’ll give fans something to cheer about.

LaLiga top four in order:

Ali:

Real Madrid
Barcelona
Atletico Madrid
Villarreal

Divyam:

Barcelona
Real Madrid
Sevilla
Atletico Madrid

Eesh:

Barcelona
Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid
Villarreal

Hridyam:

Barcelona
Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid
Villarreal

Tushar:

Real Madrid
Barcelona
Atletico Madrid
Villarreal

Your one hot take for the season:

Ali: Prepare the giggles but it’s called a hot take for a reason. Eden Hazard will have a season to be proud of where he will be seen as a difference maker during difficult times

Divyam: All of the lesser-known and unheralded players, such as Eden Hazard, Jesus Vallejo, and Dani Ceballos, will have one of their finest individual seasons and will defy all odds. The upcoming season has something about it that makes me think it will be a season full of comebacks and turnarounds, especially on individual levels if not collectively. I realise it’s a daring prediction to wish for a fantastic season from all three at once.

Eesh: Rodrygo will challenge Vinicius for a starting role at the left wing.

Hridyam: Real Madrid will win the Champions League again. It’s a hot take for a reason, right? Besides, we’ve seen the kind of mentality that this team boasts, and I am not usually this optimistic, but screw it. We’re bringing home the 15th.

Tushar: One hot take is Rudiger will play less than 30% of the total games. Alaba and Militao are a perfect combination at centre back. So there is no point disturbing the set combo. Also contrary to the common opinion, I think Mendy will be even more important this season and will turn out to be indispensable to the side. This leaves Rudiger with very little game time.