Managing Madrid - Real Madrid 2016/17 Season PreviewDominating European football since March 6th 1902https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50831/mm-fav.png2016-08-13T14:30:02+02:00http://www.managingmadrid.com/rss/stream/121709772016-08-13T14:30:02+02:002016-08-13T14:30:02+02:00Real Madrid Preview 2016/17: Attackers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ka4ssRxp5IhhPnZMj_LFV0zl60g=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50342193/GettyImages-535440104.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>BBC's firepower is backed up by some impressive depth.</p> <p>There is no doubt that all the 2016/17 media attention will be focused on Real Madrid's glamorous attacking trident of Benzema, Bale, and Ronaldo. The three combined for 98 goals in 115 matches and spearheaded Real Madrid's quest for European glory. However, it would be a mistake to assume that these three are the only important components of Real Madrid's offense. Lucas Vázquez was an extremely important influence off the bench and James Rodríguez always provided quality when played last season. Luckily for Zinedine Zidane and perhaps unluckily for Lucas and James, the two bench options have further competition from new boys Alvaro Morata and Marco Asensio - both players who will strengthen Real Madrid's attack immensely in the new season.</p>
<p><i>Incoming Players:<br>Alvaro Morata from Juventus; buy-back - €30 million<br>Marco Asensio; called back from loan at Espanyol</i></p>
<p><i>Outgoing players:<br>Jesé Rodríguez to PSG; €25 million</i></p>
<p><i>(Price tag information taken from </i><a href="http://www.transfermarkt.com/">transfermarkt</a><i>)</i></p>
<h4>#7 Cristiano Ronaldo - The Goal Machine</h4>
<p>Position: Wide Forward</p>
<p>Age: 31</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6DNt1Libvvs" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h5>
<span>Key Statistics 2015/16 (La Liga & the UEFA Champions League)</span><span>:</span>
</h5>
<p><span></span> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6QAVQyETSRphtsV_yFL2TaPaVL0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6920825/ronaldo.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>Season Review:</h4>
<p>The million dollar question with Cristiano Ronaldo has always been: 'when will his elite goalscoring standards decline?' Many predicted it would happen with the reduction of his pace, his dribbling, and even when Jose Mourinho left the club, but it didn't seem to be happening any time soon until Rafa Benitez arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu. It may have been a mere case of correlation without causation, but Ronaldo's consistency dropped off and his impact in the big games became negligible in the first half of the season, leaving us to ponder at what Ronaldo used to be. <a href="http://www.managingmadrid.com/2016/5/16/11684072/has-cristiano-ronaldo-actually-performed-better-under-zinedine-zidane">But the fresh start that Zinedine Zidane breathed into Madrid, buoyed Ronaldo to resurrect his form</a>, as he netted crucial goals vs. Roma and Wolfsburg to lead his side to European dominance.</p>
<h4>Season Predictions:</h4>
<p>Despite the loss of some of his agility and the decline in his dribbling numbers, Ronaldo has become smarter than ever in his off-the-ball movement and interpretation of space. He is a master of arriving from the flanks to knock-in easy tap-ins, and is an expert at maximizing his spectacular aerial skills to score headed goals. But as he proved vs. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/levante" class="sbn-auto-link">Levante</a>, Roma, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/espanyol" class="sbn-auto-link">Espanyol</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/celta-vigo" class="sbn-auto-link">Celta Vigo</a>, <a href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Athletic Bilbao</a>, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/valencia" class="sbn-auto-link">Valencia</a>, he's still got enough left in the tank to produce pieces of magic all by himself.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Ronaldo suffered his most serious injury to date when Dimitri Payet crashed into the Portuguese's knee and caused a violent tear. It forced him off the pitch and made him miss <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid's</a> entire pre-season, something that could seriously slow down Ronaldo's exploits at the beginning of the campaign. In conjunction with this forced rest, Ronaldo could miss more games in the season as he previously expressed his willingness to skip more games to preserve the longevity of his career. As a result, do not be surprised if Ronaldo fails to hit the 50 goal mark for the first time in 7 seasons.</p>
<p>Despite this, do not fool yourself into the illusion that Ronaldo will be any less important for Zidane than last season. 50 goals or not, Ronaldo's physical regimen should ensure a more than adequate recovery, which should help him maintain his status as Real Madrid's top goal scorer and best player.</p>
<h4>#9 Karim Benzema - The Complete Forward</h4>
<p>Position: Center Forward</p>
<p>Age: 28</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/abRR_JuSgWU" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h5>
<span>Key Statistics 2015/16 (La Liga & the UEFA Champions League)</span><span>:</span>
</h5>
<p><span></span> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pXMmI9Try6xshX2QKvMiehZwS8w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6920827/benz.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>Season Review:</h4>
<p>Taking all factors into consideration (goals per 90 minutes (p90), importance of goals, consistency of scoring, etc.), 2015/16 was undoubtedly <span>Karim Benzema's</span> best ever goal scoring season. He notched a mind-blowing 0.97 goals p90 minutes across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, whilst coupling it with the most winning goals in La Liga and some impressive consistency across both Rafa Benitez's and <span>Zinedine Zidane's</span> tenures. Some of that had to do with the fact that Benzema's number of shots p90 (though it was lower than his 2011/12 season) and key passes p90 were significantly lower than his last 3 seasons, which may have to do with Benitez openly requesting Benzema to become more selfish, thus making the Frenchman more lethal and decisive. Regardless of what truly inspired the change, it led Benzema to finish his most impressive personal season without disrupting the goal tallies of those around him. Only injury limited his number of appearances to 36.</p>
<h4>Season Predictions:</h4>
<p>If Benzema continues to play with Rafa Benitez's mindset, do not be surprised if the Frenchman matches or surpasses the number of goals he scored last season. However, there is also an argument to be made that Benzema was scoring goals at an elite rate that might be unsustainable come this season, so also be watchful to see if Benzema's goals per minute ratio regresses to the mean. Either way, it is undeniable that Benzema will be the glue that makes BBC tick, leaving the only major extraneous variable as injury.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H3WcxegibKOo58vG29IlEIyXkUY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6921657/benz_injury_history.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p><i>(Table via <a href="http://www.transfermarkt.com/karim-benzema/verletzungen/spieler/18922">transferkmarkt</a>)</i></p>
<p>As dark as it might sound, it is highly likely that Benzema will be injured once again this season (he only just recovered from a hip injury sustained in pre-season), meaning that 2016/17 will once again be leaving us with "what if's" about Benzema's season.</p>
<h4>#11 Gareth Bale - The Beast</h4>
<p>Position: Inverted Winger</p>
<p>Age: 27</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1BEmQ8DePMM" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h5>
<span>Key Statistics 2015/16 (La Liga & the UEFA Champions League)</span><span>:</span>
</h5>
<p><span></span> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ulbe3oFOQ9j2aIUTKxXoFtIusXw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6920831/bale.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>Season Review:</h4>
<p>It speaks volumes of <span>Gareth Bale's</span> mental strength that he managed to produce his best season off the back of incessant jeers and and a near total lack of support from the Santiago Bernabeu. Not only did he manage to regain his form, but he improved in so many categories (close-control, heading, decision making, creativity, and goal scoring), that he made the UEFA Player of the Year shortlist and is an outside shot at the FIFA Ballon d'or. Just like with Benzema, Rafa Benitez must be credited with some of Bale's success, as the Spanish coach repeatedly stated that Bale was the center and future of his team. Such open confidence and an initially freer tactical role, boosted Bale's confidence and allowed him to produce spectacular statistical results - 1 goal and 0.5 assists p/90 in La Liga. But Bale didn't just pad his stats against the minnows, as he assisted <span>Cristiano Ronaldo's</span> game winner in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/el-clasico-barcelona-real-madrid" class="sbn-auto-link">El Clásico</a>, single-handedly kept Real Madrid's La Liga title hopes alive in two games where Ronaldo was out injured, and forced an own goal against Manchester City to help Los Blancos lift the Champions League.</p>
<h4>Season Predictions:</h4>
<p>Just like with Benzema, expect the injury bug to once again derail Bale's consistency on the field.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MfXeiHORh0dYbj2ZQDHxFoIVBLs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6921731/bale_injury_history.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p><i>(Table via </i><a href="http://www.transfermarkt.com/gareth-bale/verletzungen/spieler/39381">transfermarkt</a> -<i> full list of injuries not shown)</i></p>
<p>As can be seen in the table above, Bale experienced his most injury-ridden season with Real Madrid yet, consistently experiencing recurring muscular problems that prevented him from stringing together a long run of consecutive games. New fitness coach Antonio Pintus might prove to be the magic touch that finally banishes Bale's health issues, but with a poor injury record that dates back to his Tottenham days, don't get your hopes up too high.</p>
<p>Now for the optimistic part: expect Bale to be spectacular when on the pitch. As noted statistically and rhetorically in countless analyses and articles across the world, Bale has improved as a player enormously over the course of only one short year, and at age 27, he could be hitting his prime. Ignoring his penchant to get hurt, Bale is the most physically impressive specimen on the Real Madrid squad. No player on earth is faster than he is and there is a legitimate claim that Bale is one of the top two players in the air (the other being Cristiano Ronaldo of course). If Bale is fit for the right parts of the season, expect silverware to be forthcoming.</p>
<h4>#21 Alvaro Morata - The Classic No. 9</h4>
<p>Position: Center Forward</p>
<p>Age: 23</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kb3pwUzc_q4" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h5>
<span>Key Statistics 2015/16 (La Liga & the UEFA Champions League)</span><span>:</span>
</h5>
<p><span></span> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hlai6hmmM-q-Wnkr2eITVwxX3hU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6920839/morata.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>Season Review:</h4>
<p>Alvaro Morata had a topsy turvy 2015/16 season with Juventus that saw him endure a long goal scoring drought (1 goal in 21 matches, albeit with many substitute appearances) and some serious time on the bench. This may have turned some Madrid fans against his return to Spain, but Madridistas should be very careful not to dismiss Morata's season at Juve as a bad one. After his drought, Morata began turning up for Juve in the big games, notching 3 crucial goals against Inter Milan in two matches, a goal vs. Fiorentina in a tense 2-1 win, a game winning assist against AC Milan, and a brilliant assist for Cuadrado that nearly took Juve past Bayern in the UEFA Champions League.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PbTOJErxW68" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>Let's also not forget that also he scored the goal that knocked Real Madrid out of the 2014/15 edition of the Champions League and managed to score Juventus' only goal against <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> in the final - this man is <i>the</i> guy for the big occasion.</p>
<h4>Season Predictions:</h4>
<p>Fans will certainly be eager to see how Morata performs in the new season, but they must remember to initially temper their expectations. Real Madrid plays in a totally different system from Juventus (especially with Los Merengues' single-striker role), so expect Morata to take some time adjusting to the wavelength of his teammates and the duties Zidane has set upon him.</p>
<p>But once he gets comfortable, expect him to really put in some good performances. His all-round game, which sees him run into channels, stretch defensive lines, and drop deep as a target man, provides Real Madrid with an easy focal point in attack, something that will be invaluable when Benzema can or should not play. Additionally, Morata possesses underrated technical skills (something demonstrated by his bursting runs from deep and his impressive number of take-ons p90) and a strong surge of pace that should help him bully tired defenders and nab a couple of goals and assists from the bench.</p>
<p>Finally, never count out his ability to handle himself under pressure and deliver in the big moments. If Benzema isn't cutting it El Clásico or in the Champions League, Morata is the guy who can provide Los Blancos with a decisive moment.</p>
<p>If all goes well, expect Morata to nab 15-20 goals in all competitions and provide Real Madrid with some much needed quality in the striker department.</p>
<h4>#10 James Rodríguez - The Technician</h4>
<p>Position: Attacking Midfielder</p>
<p>Age: 25</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uPEG6PvVGdA" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h5>Key Statistics 2015/16 (La Liga & the UEFA Champions League)<span>:</span>
</h5>
<h5> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JAQLA3_jlL-BNQbcYLj1BdsGl0s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6920841/James.0.png">
</figure>
</h5>
<h4>Season Review:</h4>
<p>Despite James' impressive statistics, many are of the opinion that James did not endure a good second season at Real Madrid. This has to do with relative comparison of the Colombian's brilliant 2014/15 season and less spectacular, but still strong 2015/16 campaign, which is not fully fair - if only because he was seriously stunted by two injuries that kept him out for 10 consecutive games.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yyYwNElCyInDB2ms_QoWSyU-n8c=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6921927/james_injury_history.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p><i>(Table via </i><a href="http://www.transfermarkt.com/james-rodriguez/verletzungen/spieler/88103">transfermarkt</a><i>)</i></p>
<p>He ended up missing most of Rafa Benitez's ill-fated tenure, but managed to make his comeback in time to lose 4-0 to FC Barcelona. Despite finishing Benitez's reign as a starter, he never quite recovered from that, as he was stained with the false claims that he led Real Madrid to play with no midfield.</p>
<p>When Zinedine Zidane arrived, James was immediately benched for the more defensively stable Casemiro, a decision that ended up playing a big role in Real Madrid's epic La Liga comeback and Champions League success. Despite impressive moments when called upon, it became clear by the end of the season that James was no longer part of Real Madrid's best eleven.</p>
<h4>Season Predictions:</h4>
<p>After such a tough 2015/16, it is very hard to see how this season can get any better for James. Avoiding injuries could help him make a bigger impact for Real Madrid, but there is little forseeable way in which he can manage to break into Real Madrid's midfield or offensive line. Isco and Kovacic are better options in central midfield, Bale is an indisputable starter when fit, and Zidane demonstrated he trusts Lucas in the right-wing position over James, so the Colombian will probably see a lot of time on the bench. As unpleasant as it is to hear for many fans, though James will score a couple of his usual golazos, this season will probably be James' last with the club.</p>
<h4>#17 Lucas Vázquez - The Foot Soldier</h4>
<p>Position: Defensive Winger</p>
<p>Age: 25</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SsxCARJ2HXU" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h5>
<span>Key Statistics 2015/16 (La Liga & the UEFA Champions League)</span><span>:</span>
</h5>
<p><span></span> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JH9Xj6-fiA40BBCuKyVtK9EDNUo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6921003/lucas.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>Season Review:</h4>
<p>It is hard to view Lucas Vázquez's first season with Real Madrid as anything but a success, as he fulfilled every task set upon him by his two managers and managed to surpass everyone's expectations. His season started off auspiciously, as he came off the bench vs. his old club Espanyol and dazzled with some dribbling and a smart assist for Ronaldo. That was enough to earn the faith of Rafa Benitez, who subsequently employed Lucas as Los Blancos' 12th man, leading the right winger to notch an important assist vs. Celta Vigo and a goal in Rafa Benitez's last match as manager of Madrid - a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad. While those will be the moments fans remember, Lucas also provided Real with some true width and defensive stability, something that Zidane valued when using Lucas as his preferred second choice over James on the right-wing. The Spaniard repaid his manager's faith with an important assist vs. Athletic Bilbao, a clutch assist against Roma in the Champions League, a run of 5 goals created in 5 games in April, and an ice-cool penalty that boosted Real Madrid's confidence in the La Undecima penalty shoot-out.</p>
<h4>Season Predictions:</h4>
<p>It is fair to expect more of the same from Lucas in Zidane's second spell as manager. Vázquez doesn't have a ceiling much higher than the one he has now, and thus he is always destined to be a bench player. But that's absolutely fine - in fact, that's great. Lucas knows his place in the team and will likely never cause problems for playing time because of this. Lucas creates stability in Real Madrid's hierarchy and is a more than useful option off the bench. Additionally, he provides Real Madrid with something totally unique; his ability to execute 5.07 tackles+interceptions p90 whilst making 2.09 dribbles p90 and 0.69 goals p90. His balanced palette of skills will once again be crucial for Real Madrid's success this season, especially if BBC's injury crisis repeats itself once again.</p>
<h4>#20 Marco Asensio - The X-Factor</h4>
<p>Position: Attacking Midfielder</p>
<p>Age: 20</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H76VU6IPYmY" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h5>
<span>Key Statistics 2015/16 (La Liga)</span><span>:</span>
</h5>
<p><span></span> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8RR_znnZy8TGxV04eEXa3puoL7s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6921081/asensio.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>Season Review:</h4>
<p>Real Madrid's rising star and Spanish football's finest talent had a very impressive outing on loan at Espanyol in 2015/16. He demonstrated a rapid growth in maturity, displaying improved decision making skills, polished technique, and razor-sharp vision. These skills quickly made him the most important player on the pitch, as he grabbed 33 starts in La Liga and became the focal point for Espanyol's attack. The faith placed in him was rewarded with a burst of 5 assists at the beginning of the season along with some spectacular solo displays throughout the whole year; namely a hat-trick of assists vs. Real Betis (Espanyol won 3-1) and winning goals vs. Deportivo La Coruña and Eibar. However, like all youth players, Asensio did experience some inconsistency, as he created only one goal in 13 league matches in the middle of the season.</p>
<h4>Season Predictions:</h4>
<p>After Asensio's stunning UEFA Super Cup <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffiQuDQdpKc">goal vs. Sevilla</a> (go to 1:03), expectations are sky high for the youngster's debut season with the whites. It has to be said that some of the hype is justified. On a technical level, Asensio is already top class. His close control is similar to Isco's and his ability to execute set-pieces is probably his most underrated and deadly ability (he completed a stunning success rate of 19 free kicks out of 29 in the league last season). This will make him an extremely good option off the bench when Madrid needs someone to make an impact in tight games. Expect at least two or three moments where Asensio comes off the bench and scores a game-winning goal or delivers a match-winning set-piece.</p>
<p>However, Madrid fans must also temper their expectations somewhat. Asensio thrived last year because he was given ample playing to time to grow and make mistakes. If he wasn't producing end-product, he still saw time on the pitch, thus allowing him to play his way through his bad form. He won't have that luxury at Real Madrid, because Ronaldo and Bale are indisputable starters and James, Isco, and Lucas are all hungry for minutes.</p>
<p>Thus, due to the dynamic of Real Madrid's loaded offense, don't expect Asensio to break into this team. He will make impacts from the bench and get starts when the big men are injured, but he isn't going to be a spectacular success story by the end of 2016/17. A loan move or a sale with a buy-back clause might've been the smarter option.</p>
<p><i>(All statistics taken from </i><a href="https://www.whoscored.com/Home">whoscored.com</a><i> unless otherwise stated)</i></p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2016/8/13/12426768/real-madrid-season-preview-2016-17-attackersOm Arvind2016-08-12T18:00:03+02:002016-08-12T18:00:03+02:00Real Madrid Preview 2016/2017: Midfielders
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3Gq-qnevq9yTq9fdTHYSFtjesFk=/0x0:4652x3101/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50340657/GettyImages-587914832.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael Steele/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A look into what to expect from Real's midfielders in 2016/17. </p> <p>Despite constant rumors linking Real to the likes of Paul Pogba, Marco Verratti, and even (shudders) Moussa Sissoko, there hasn't been any new additions to Real Madrid's midfield, nor has anyone left. While the line between who's a midfielder and who's an attacker for Real Madrid is often blurred, there are a few who we know for certain will be in the middle of the pitch.</p>
<p><b>#19 Luka Modrić</b></p>
<p>What's left to be said about Lukita? Here's what you probably already know. He's Real's most important midfielder, possibly even overall player. He can play anywhere in midfield. His injury in 2014/15 was likely responsible for the derailment of Real's season. He dribbles, he marks well defensively, he can shoot when he feels like it, and above all, he hits outside of the boot passes effortlessly. You can make a rather strong argument he's the best midfielder in the world.</p>
<p>And good news for Real fans! We can expect more of the same from Modrić as he enters his fifth season in Madrid. After coming over from Tottenham as a more attacking midfielder, he's been moved around and mostly back, with Xabi Alonso's departure being what really cemented him in the deeper midfield. Modrić's technical ability is so complete that he's now putting up comparable numbers from the central midfield as he did when he was playing closer to the attacking midfield. Last season he created 61 chances at a 91 percent pass completion rate, whereas in the 2012 season, he created 56 chances at 89 percent pass completion. In short, he's moved further away from the attacking third and has created more scoring chances more efficiently in doing so.</p>
<p>If you have 11 minutes to kill, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKhSubNSvrs" target="_blank">watch this</a>, which highlights not only what he does with the ball, but where's receiving it and passing it from. <a href="https://theringer.com/luka-modric-and-the-art-of-midfield-9f9fbbaa80ef#.3066ecy1v" target="_blank">And here's a great read</a> about Luka and all he does. Luka Modrić will be a regular in Madrid's starting 11. Long live Luka.</p>
<p><b>#8 Toni Kroos</b></p>
<p>If Luka Modrić is Blastoise, Toni Kroos is Wartortle: a less-evolved version of his Croatian compatriot, but still every bit as exciting and versatile.</p>
<p>Kroos broke out in 2012 as <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F41091230&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.managingmadrid.com%2F2016%2F8%2F12%2F12426332%2Freal-madrid-preview-2016-2017-midfielders" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Bayern Munich's attacking midfielder</a>, a slightly unpolished dynamo in Germany's golden generation. After snatching him for a paltry <span>€</span>25 million, Carlo Ancelotti helped mold Kroos into a more composed midfielder in a more central position. This came without serious fanfare, but the evolution of Kroos from a volatile attacker into one of the world's most composed central midfielders is astounding, and his trajectory is still going up.</p>
<p>Instead of dribbling into the opponent's box, he's now passing through the center circle. Last year he was one of three players in La Liga to complete over 2000 passes, and he followed that by logging some superhuman stats at Euro 2016.</p>
<p>He was <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2016/statistics/round=2000448/players/category=performance/kind=passing/index.html" target="_blank">the tournament's leading passer</a> at 608. The second leading passer (Jérôme Boateng) recorded 399. Kroos had the highest pass completion percentage (93 percent) of anyone who attempted at least 300 passes, and he attempted 653 passes (Boateng attempted 438). And the numbers aren't misleading either, getting padded with short touches and useless passes. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL0eoVbilN0">Kroos was providing service</a> across the pitch and into the opponent's third.</p>
<p>Kroos seems like he can play wherever he wants, and he's more or less the backup plan at defensive midfielder for Real this season (barring an unexpected signing). No matter where he ends up playing for most of his career, we're going to look back and think, "What if Kroos played more forward/centrally/on the wing/defensively/wherever" because he really seems capable of shining anywhere. Like Modrić, Kroos will be a regular in Madrid' first 11.</p>
<p><b>#14 Casemiro</b></p>
<p>Casemiro was perhaps the most surprising player of last season. In 2014/15 he went on loan to Porto where he did well, but showed nothing that would've suggested he'd go on to be critical to last year's run to La Undécima.</p>
<p>Not long after Zidane took over as manager, he began using Casemiro as the fulcrum of the midfield, providing a defensive presence behind Modrić and Kroos. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3613480/Real-Madrid-s-Gareth-Bale-brink-Champions-League-history-says-Zinedine-Zidane-like-Harry-Redknapp-tells-fly.html" target="_blank">Gareth Bale said of him</a>, "<span>He has been our Makélélé...We know that behind us he is going to fill every hole and tackle everything that moves, even if it’s the referee."</span></p>
<p>Here's what we know about Casemiro.</p>
<p>Casemiro can: Win loads of 50/50 balls, halt counter attacks, and win the ball back in the middle third of the pitch.</p>
<p>Casemiro can't really: Pass vertically with great effect, kickstart counter attacks, avoid getting booked excessively.</p>
<p>Real's hesitance to seriously pursue Grzegorz Krychowiak or N'Golo Kanté, both of whom are more complete than Casemiro and were available, suggests Zidane is either fine with Casemiro's limitations, or he's convinced he can coach Casemiro into a more able passer. After winning the ball back, his assignment is often to find Kroos or Modrić, which is good and great, but it halts and hamstrings Real's attack, particularly on the counter.</p>
<p>Yet despite this, he's so strong defensively that he's worked himself into a position where he's going to be a very regular starter for Real. Casemiro will likely see plenty of minutes this season, and will certainly start against stronger attacking sides.</p>
<p><b>#22 Isco</b></p>
<p>Isco's time in Madrid has been rather interesting. He's never cemented himself as a dead-on starter, yet he's been much more than a rotational bench player. Every transfer window, he's linked to clubs all across Europe (most recently Juventus and AC Milan), and he'd not only walk into the starting lineup at most clubs -- they'd be eager to build their whole team around him. And yet he seems content to be a regular feature in Madrid.</p>
<p>I can't think of a player who would be more devastating in a 5-a-side match than Isco. He's probably Real's most technically gifted dribbler, able to work his way out of and through tight spaces with ease. Isco has never been the focal point of Real's attack, acting mostly as a creative supplicant, and his assist numbers have never hit the highs you'd expect from a player of his ability and position, likely due to his role and minutes more than his ability.</p>
<p>Isco is a fan favorite, a perfect plug-in for whoever's injured at the moment, and this versatility has tremendous value. His best ability is being able to hold up the ball and wait for attackers to go on runs, and he can almost always cut out the pass needed.</p>
<p><b>#16 Mateo Kovačić</b></p>
<p>After getting sparse minutes in his first year at the Bernabéu, Kovačić is at a bit of a crossroads in his career. It was thought he'd fancy a loan move for 2016, but it's frankly not needed. He's already polished, and his agent said <a href="http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/kovacic-fight-his-place-real-madrid" target="_blank">he's eager to fight for playing time under Zidane</a>. The midfield is deep, but not so deep that he'll be an afterthought again.</p>
<p>Here's what's often forgotten about Mateo Kovačić: He is outstandingly fast. He can play in the central and deep midfield. He's still only 22. And he is as technically gifted as anyone. All of his skills fill a need for Madrid, and most clubs would do anything to have a player of his quality as depth. Just because he's the last man in a quality unit doesn't mean he should be written off.</p>
<p>What his role is in 2016 depends on what happens around him. If (heaven help us) Modrić goes down with an injury, and if Kroos is given rest (which he likely will be), Kovačić could work in either role. Kovačić hasn't had the chance to jell with the front three yet, and it'll take some time, but he certainly has the ability to be a quality rotational player for Madrid.</p>
<p>If you're looking for our new favorite wonder-kid, Marco Asensio, keep an eye out for tomorrow's attackers preview!</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2016/8/12/12426332/real-madrid-preview-2016-2017-midfieldersMikePlatania2016-08-12T07:57:05+02:002016-08-12T07:57:05+02:00Real Madrid Season Preview 2016/2017: Defenders
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0kaYA_nWGIircgf5Ozs7oRqQ1Dg=/0x151:1611x1225/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50362545/GettyImages-587914900.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael Steele/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Four positions, eight deep.</p> <p>One year ago, Real Madrid inexplicably jettisoned one of their unsung heroes of the Decima run, Fabio Coentrao, to AS Monaco in a loan deal that proved pernicious for both parties, if not entirely disastrous for the player. In theory, Real could have been punished more than they were without a proper understudy for Marcelo, but they survived any minimal health lapses of their Brazilian left back with cover from Nacho and Danilo - both of whom can act as makeshift left-flank band-aids when summoned.</p>
<p>After an injury-riddled spell in France, Coentrao now returns in hopes of giving Real Madrid more stability at left back, and the team as a whole goes into this season with a much more secure outlook across the back four, riding eight players for four positions - two deep in each defensive slot. Here's a closer look.</p>
<h3><b>#2 - Dani Carvajal</b></h3>
<p>"The essence of Real Madrid is not to surrender," Dani Carvajal said after scoring the winning goal in the UEFA Super Cup.</p>
<p>"We have a very good squad and continue to work to the death."</p>
<p>Carvajal might go down as the best right back the club has had since Michel Salgado's prime terrorized opposing flanks at the turn of the century. He has a wonderful blend of talent and heart, and his sheer resilience and love for the organization makes him a fan-favorite.</p>
<p>And he's grown.</p>
<p>Two seasons ago, he returned from a successful loan spell at Leverkusen and was handed the keys to Real Madrid's right back role - a very demanding post in Ancelotti's scheme. It was Carvajal's to lose, as the only other player in Madrid's defensive line who could play on the right at the time was Arbeloa.</p>
<p>It wasn't a perfect rookie season with the A-team by any means. Though he had many encouraging outings, Carvajal made some key errors against Juventus in the Champions League semi-final, most notably committing a clumsy foul on Carlos Tevez which led to a penalty. The Club knew there would be growing pains with their right back, and their signing of Danilo from Porto just two months prior to that challenge on Tevez was foreshadowing to the insurance they wanted to have at that position.</p>
<p>At the start of the 2015 season, Carvajal would face some adversity. Given Arbeloa's decline and Carvajal's rawness, the Club was not going to wallow around and rely on Carvajal in a big match if it had better options to play with. Danilo was a real solution - the projected starter and an answer to the Spaniard's ineptitude in do-or-die matches. But Dani rose, outplayed his new Brazilian pendant, and cemented himself as one of the elite right backs on the planet, further proving that there is no harm in healthy competition. In moments of calamity, this is how we filter the good from the great. Across the board, players who see out a successful career are the ones that rise when their backs are pinned to the wall. Carvajal is just that.</p>
<p>Despite naturally playing less given Danilo's arrival, Carvajal made a leap this season, and by the time the climax of 2016 arrived, Zidane made him the preferred right back. Real Madrid now have their starting right back heading in the upcoming season - though admittedly, Danilo will improve, and give Dani plenty of competition - and have much-needed stability moving forward in a position they've struggled to fill ever since Salgado left the club, and, after that, Sergio Ramos transitioned into a central defender.</p>
<p>It's easy to be hypnotized by Carvajal's emergence as a footballer and his drive as a genuine Madridista - but at some point it's also vital for Zidane to zoom out and thoroughly examine his trajectory as a footballer. It looks good, but most of Carvajal's upswings have come offensively, and there's still room for improvement on the defensive end, particularly in his decision-making and knowing when to gamble. Still, he looks really good, and looked fine last season without the ball 90% of the time. Zidane's scheme provides the ability to mask defensive lapses by its wing-backs, and both Gareth Bale and Lucas Vasquez are excellent at providing defensive relief on the right flank.</p>
<h3><b>#3 - Pepe</b></h3>
<p>Two seasons ago, Pepe was merely the overpass that linked Real Madrid's defensive scheme from one era to another. But like a fine wine, Pepe has aged gracefully, and is peaking at a point in his career few could predict. To round out the 2015 / 2016 season, he culminated his powers against Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Champions League and continued his form all the way through to the moment he lifted the European trophy with Portugal in France, in a tournament he thoroughly dominated.</p>
<p>Pepe deserved that trophy as much as anyone - including Cristiano Ronaldo. He'll go into the upcoming season as a deserved starter in Zidane's XI, and it would be irrational to think otherwise. There will be rotations, to be sure, especially given that Pepe is pushing north of 33, but in a frantic situation, his consistency and reliability at the highest level is something that can't go unnoticed. Ramos and Varane, on their day, will forever be regarded as players with a higher ceiling and talent level, but they have yet to show they'll ever match Pepe's constancy.</p>
<p>And it's a constancy that has stabilized over time. <i>Pepe has always been Pepe</i> - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP0g3pwOdi0">a monster on his day</a>, and occasionally, a malfunctioning bulwark on the fritz. But lately the haywire performances have dissipated, the clouds have parted, and Pepe's true form has taken shape - he will be a massive asset for Real Madrid in the next year or two still.</p>
<p>Of Real Madrid's seven missing players in the SuperCopa on Tuesday, Pepe's absence may have been the most understated of all. Raphael Varane's missed-clearance attempt led to Sevilla's first goal, and Sergio Ramos' clumsy challenge led to Sevilla's 2nd from a spot-kick. On the flipside, Ramos' aerial prowess offensively was vital to Real Madrid's eventual triumph, and Varane had a tremendous game outside of his mis-clearance which was hard to deal with in the first place. But Pepe would have lent Real Madrid a hand, and he's played himself into a key role as part of the team's spine - one that also consists of Modric, Kroos, and the front three.</p>
<p>This year may finally be the year Pepe slows down, but we've been saying that about him for a couple years already, just like we said the same about Ronaldo this past season. For now, he's yet to show signs of regression, and his numbers per 90 metrics in the following categories saw jumps from last season to this one: pass completion, interceptions, and blocks.</p>
<h3><b>#4 - Sergio Ramos</b></h3>
<p>Ah, the living legend himself. Mister 93, 94 - whatever it is these days. The hype machine, the hero we need, a hybrid between Batman and Iron Man - the Hierro, Raul, and Casillas of our era. The athletic aberration. The behemoth that's so clutch he has a minute named after him. In one moment he rips our hearts and commits a rash challenge - studs in, head vacant, man down; in another, he conjures what no other player does - lifting the boulder off of Real Madrid's shoulders and leading the team to the promised land, heart beating with conviction, the Real Madrid emblem tattooed on it. In both moments, logic defies him. He's so bad it's bewildering, but he's so good it's bewildering too.</p>
<p>Ramos has deficiencies and lapses, but those are typically masked over the course of the season. He has too many tools to not eventually figure things out defensively and start putting attackers in his pocket - but it's an area he still needs to improve on, and it's a part of his game that still manifests itself to this day. What sets him apart is his will, he's a rare breed in that regard.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"He has always been the difference"<br>- Zinedine Zidane</p>
</blockquote>
<p>With a player like Ramos in the squad, Real Madrid has a player to count on when things look impossible. Being cold-blooded is hard to teach, and having a player who tends to be in the right place at the right time is invaluable - Zidane knows this.</p>
<p>"Sergio Ramos is our captain, an important player and he's always there to earn us the trophy. There were no special instructions for him. With a player like Sergio, he's always been the difference. We've seen it before. He's grown as a player, too. In this final he was there just where he needed to be."</p>
<p>Ramos has never been on the same circadian rhythm as the rest of us mere mortals. He's different - exactly what Real Madrid need him to be. He's an x-factor, an unpredictable threat that opposing defenders have to cope with on set-pieces - heads already spinning with Bale and Ronaldo buzzing around them. What gifts Zidane has at his disposal in this regard! His team is a menacing threat from multiple angles on those free-kicks and corners, like a nail grenade waiting to connect with an in-swinging Toni Kroos cross.</p>
<p>Zidane once played with Sergio Ramos during the initial stages of a dark era the club was going through. In those days, Ramos was still an experiment of sorts. He was freakishly athletic and talented, and served mostly as right back with sporadic appearances in the middle. He made the highlights for chilena's, and for getting roasted by Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho - highlights that will be eternally looped. A decade later, Zidane is impressed with how much Ramos has grown.</p>
<p>In a way, Ramos' football IQ has started catching up with his body, and when a rare robust player like Ramos matures, you can throw his name into the elite. This might be the last year the Ramos-Pepe partnership sees its prime together, and given the progressive manhood of both, it could be a year this duo really establishes itself and propels Real Madrid to a long-awaited La Liga title.</p>
<h3><b>#5 - Raphael Varane</b></h3>
<p>It's hard to believe Varane is entering his sixth season with Real Madrid - a mark that was predicted by many to be a time where the Frenchman would have cemented himself as a starter. As discussed above though, Pepe's emergence in his 30s has made it difficult for Varane to breakthrough, as has his own inability to consistently play at a high level.</p>
<p>But maybe things will take a positive turn under Zidane - the man who scouted him in the first place. As Varane tells, Zidane reached out to him in a busy time in his life.</p>
<p>"Zidane called me and I asked him to call me back because I was studying for my baccalaureate. It's my relaxed nature that made me react like that. You have to be care-free to deal with so many things at such a young age,"</p>
<p>People often forget just how young Varane is. Despite this season being his sixth with the club, he's just 23, and given Zidane's investment in him - and young talent in general - you just know Varane will improve, and his trajectory will continue upward.</p>
<p>In his Real Madrid career - a career that's still in its early chapters - we've been able to revel many of his accomplishments already. In 2014, he started in the Champions League final and played 120 minutes - all this at the age of 21. He's also contributed to the misery of many a Cule, hounding Messi, Cesc, and Iniesta on multiple occassions, scoring in the Camp Nou, and playing well beyond his age.</p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, rumours of Varane leaving Real Madrid were never really taken seriously, and there was no way Zidane lets go of the invaluable depth that Varane brings to the table, or the tremendous upside that he has.</p>
<p>"I've spoken with Zidane and I've decided to stay," Varane said. "I feel loved by the club and the fans, they treat me as if I'd been here all my life... I want to give everything I possibly can. I feel the best is yet to come."</p>
<p>"Finishing the season without playing in the Champions League final and the European Championship is difficult for me, it's true," he said.</p>
<p>"But I want to leave it behind me, I want to move forward and I think that I can keep improving. I love being at a club like Real Madrid, I want to stay here and for a long time."</p>
<p>"In life you take decisions... I'm happy here and I want to stay here for a long time. I could never have imagined what I've achieved here, to have played so much and to have won so many trophies. I want to continue playing here; it's an honour to wear the shirt."</p>
<p><i>The shirt</i>, by the way, is now #5 - the same iconic number that Zidane wore as a player with Real Madrid.</p>
<h3><b>#6 - Nacho</b></h3>
<p>Nacho is a certain kind of special. Detached from status or recognition, he's always been a solid and selfless player who genuinely wants to serve this team whenever he's called upon - even if it's seldom. Sure, making 60k per week - on par with Isco and Danilo, more than Carvajal - makes that sacrifice somewhat <i>less</i> sacrificial, but there was genuine concern when Nacho was linked to AS Roma just weeks ago. Had Real Madrid parted ways with him, they would have lost a perfect utility player.</p>
<p>Real Madrid has familiarity with Nacho, and vice versa. De facto, Real Madrid is all that Nacho knows - he's never played elsewhere. He's 26, extremely versatile across the backline, can cover multiple positions, and is reliable. With Nacho, you know what you're going to get - a hassle-free defender who plays within his limits and will always be around to fill in. Last season, he served as a central defender when there were injuries or suspensions to Ramos, Pepe, and Varane; and he also covered for Marcelo as left back, most notably in the group stages of the Champions League when he scored a golazo - the lone goal in a victory over PSG at the Bernabeu.</p>
<p>Again, Nacho is the perfect utility player. Finding a fourth-string center back and third-choice left back is no easy feat. Good players will never accept that role, which makes players like Nacho who are willing to accept it even more precious. Many proposed the idea of bringing in Jesus Vallejo as the team's fourth central defender, but Vallejo's development would be severely hampered in that scenario, and he won't be fully ready for another couple years at the very least - even then he'll be incorporated slowly like Varane currently is. Nacho is the best fit.</p>
<p>Gut Nacho from your roster, and complications will arise. If the club can hold onto him for next season, the depth chart throughout the defensive line looks really well barricaded.</p>
<h3><b>#12 - Marcelo</b></h3>
<p>Real Madrid's veteran left-back has yet to shed his stigma of being a defensive liability. By now, he is an embedded stereotype - a masterful attacking left back who gambles defensively and can't keep his man in front of him. He's a left winger inside of a defenders body, and though he did have minuscule strides this season defensively, he also had dramatic relapses, and as a whole, just is who he is - someone we have to accept. Relevant:<a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjczdjq_LrOAhUFNSYKHZxbChAQFgg_MAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fourfourtwo.com%2Fus%2Ffeatures%2Fmarcelos-defensive-naivety-could-cost-real-madrid&usg=AFQjCNFMuuCeX4SJ5V3JrTRrwkUcVxXDOg&sig2=jE5pCLpzl9OoslbOyVaJTA" target="_blank"> I wrote about some of his defensive deficiencies last fall.</a></p>
<p>Marcelo had a solid season, and was crucial as always in games where Real Madrid needed a master key to unlock clogged defensive lines, but he also didn't exhibit the best version of himself as a footballer, and that might have to do with the lack of competition at that spot. Coentrao's return may reignite him.</p>
<p>Still, Marcelo's value to this team shouldn't be underplayed. Zidane's scheme, like his predecessor Ancelotti, relies heavily on its wing-backs, and like Sergio Ramos, Marcelo provides a huge threat from the defensive line. The weapons Zidane has at his disposal are armed all over the pitch - not just from the BBC, and as Zidane continues to implement his vision, he'll get better at concealing Marcelo's defensive glitches - something he's already been able to do in his limited time at the helm by creating a blueprint where the central midfielders shuffle to cover when the Brazilian slings forward.</p>
<p>Again, in many ways, Marcelo is comparable to Sergio Ramos - he provides that extra '<i>umpf</i>' when the team needs it. He works hard and provides leadership - his grit and dedication to the team is a real attribute - it's not just an intangible air castle. "I don't know if he is the best but it is a joy to watch him play," Zidane said after Real Madrid lifted the Super Cup. "He is also a captain and sets an example to the others.</p>
<h3><b>#15 - Fabio Coentrao</b></h3>
<p>To many, Coentrao's return was met with chagrin. It's not that the Portuguese left back is a bad player, or there is bad blood towards him from fans - but he's fragile, and he hasn't been in good form since Ancelotti steered him into a key player two season ago. There is no particular indication that would lead us to believe Coentrao might ever recover that form. That form was special.</p>
<p>But Coentrao suffers from injuries perpetually. He was injury-riddled with Real Madrid prior to his adverse loan spell in France where he spent large chunks of time nursing injuries - the latest which saw him miss the Euros and sees him out through till November. Though, he may be on a good recovery schedule, as he's now running with the team. Assuming he isn't being rushed back or he doesn't go through another physical bottleneck, he may be back even sooner than November.</p>
<p>Though the concerns surrounding Coentrao's return are valid, there weren't a plethora of left back options available, and the more perplexing decision was to loan Coentrao out in the first place.</p>
<p>Here is an excerpt from an <a target="_blank" href="http://www.managingmadrid.com/2016/8/3/12361522/letting-jese-go-was-the-right-move">article I wrote last week</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The only safety net that might dumbfound fans is the one that Zidane is relying on for the left back position, wherein Fabio Coentrao returns from his La Liga hiatus - fresh off a mortifying stint in France where he was yet again decimated with injuries and struggled to find his form. De facto, his hiatus continues as he currently nurses an injury which will see him out until November. Yet, despite all this, Danilo can cover for both Carvajal on the right as well as Marcelo on the left just fine. Nacho is still with the squad too - he provides security that's ever sound and reliable. And, if Zidane can ever bring to light Coentrao's latent abilities as a footballer, the defensive look he brings to the table provides Zidane's scheme some invaluable elasticity.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe src="//gifs.com/embed/fabio-coentro-vs-bayern-munich-h-13-14-hd-720p-by-ahmed-zil-jRjlV5" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" width="480" height="270" style="-webkit-backface-visibility: hidden;-webkit-transform: scale(1);"></iframe> <br><i>Lest we forget</i></p>
<p>For the most part, Madridistas want nothing to do with Coentrao, who was unfairly and unreasonably loaned out only to regress as a footballer, but if the 28-year-old can arise from the ashes and round out into his form from two years ago, Real Madrid are laughing. It's far-fetched, but it really was just two years ago where Coentrao turned in one of the most special performances of the historic Decima run - putting Arjen Robben in his back pocket in the semi-finals while pragmatically venturing forward and giving Guardiola's men all kinds of problems on the other side of the pitch.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>For those who are moping over the Coentrao signing, just remember this - his mere presence on the roster upgrades the team's depth at left back by default.</p>
<h3><b>#23 - Danilo</b></h3>
<p>Danilo may finally be playing himself into skeptics' hearts. Many criticized his signing, but there are multiple angles to analyze it from to avoid the tunnel vision some fans get when throwing their arms in the air to protest a view that differs from their own Playstation habits. The reality is this - Danilo had a tremendous season with Porto, like, <i>other-worldly</i> good. He dominated the right flank the way Bale can. Danilo at Porto was a player we've yet to see at the Bernabeu due to the mere presence of superstars who can already do what he can do in much higher roles up the pitch.</p>
<p>He was launching long-range cannons, cutting in, and was a terrifying box-to-box wingback. Here is an excerpt from my very first article for Managing Madrid:</p>
<blockquote>
<div>Danilo lies in the tier of physical beasts. He stands just over six feet and is very good in the air - an extra asset on defensive set pieces. In reality, although a right-back, he spends a good chunk of his time cutting inside and taking shots with his left foot. In this sense, he's actually comparable to a Bale or Ronaldo moreso than a Carvajal.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yAvXYk8b5IY" height="315" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div><br></div>
<div> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_JQriD8BJ_XqUBm3PtXmyNUZpo0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3574228/UnfortunateFatherlyArctichare.0.gif">
</figure>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>It's hard to find a comparable wing-back in terms of style, even if you attempt to go down history to find one. Have you ever seen a full-back cut in that way and score screamers with the opposite foot? Maybe Roberto Carlos and Marcelo, on the odd occassion.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Not on this scale though.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>One Portista friend of mine had to think long-and-hard about who to compare him to. After some time, he came back and said "<span>Sergio Ramos</span>". Towering stature, good in the air, can play in the middle, good at free-kicks and penalties. Of course, Ramos' best position turned out to be CB, and as it turns out, Danilo is a better defender than Ramos was at right-back.</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Those above attributes gave Real Madrid good reasoning to sign Danilo - particularly given how thin they were at the right back position.</p>
<p>And though it took a while for Danilo to find his feet in Madrid, at the very least, he lit a fire under Carvajal who began to find himself too - buying time for Danilo to settle. Now the Brazilian heads into his sophomore season with the club, with realistic aspirations of making a breakthrough. He ended the '15/'16 campaign in good form, and during this preseason, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boHHkU2UKbc" target="_blank">we even enjoyed a vintage Danilo goal</a>.</p>
<p>Don't expect Danilo to start big matches this season, not until he proves himself. At times, Danilo was a black hole in high-profile outings, and Zidane opted to go the safe route with Carvajal towards the end of the season. That should carry on over to the upcoming season as well. Expect Danilo to get a lot of playing time, but less when the stakes are high.</p>
<p>--</p>
<p>Four positions, eight deep. This team is in a better place defensively now than it was a season ago.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2016/8/12/12446318/real-madrid-season-preview-2016-2017-defendersKiyan Sobhani2016-08-10T14:00:03+02:002016-08-10T14:00:03+02:00Season Preview: Goalkeepers
<figure>
<img alt="Real Madrid CF v AS Roma - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z-m24P_843SNaQ_d0dF4hve_VRk=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50333673/514349278.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It’s Keylor’s world and we’re just living in it..</p> <p id="h1d7cK">In 2015/2016 there was a lot of early debate about Kaylor Navas and the goalkeeping situation at Real Madrid. The club went on the hunt for a #1 in the form of Manchester United keeper David de Gea - but we all know how that story ended <em>(who uses fax machines anyways?)</em>. King Keylor drowned out the noise and proved to his detractors that he was fully capable of being the number one keeper for the Royal Whites.</p>
<p id="ebc2nM">He did it with an exclamation point and had Madridistas saying “David de WHO?” </p>
<p id="zY4Ayr">Let’s take a closer look at our number one keeper - who barring something wild will be first choice again this season.</p>
<h2 id="3qYyiU">#1 Keylor Navas</h2>
<h3 id="6yRq30"><strong>La Liga 2015/16</strong></h3>
<p id="S18y2q">Min: 3060 (ranked 8th)<br>Shots: 383 (7th)<br>Saves: 95 (8th)<br>CS: 13 (T-4th)<br>W/D/L: 25/6/3 (2nd)</p>
<h3 id="J7mUyE">UEFA Champions League</h3>
<p id="UxY4FG">Min: 1020 (ranked T-3rd)<br>Shots: 102 (17th)<br>Saves: 27 (15th)<br>CS: 9 (1st)<br>W/D/L: 7/3/1 (3 way T- 1st)</p>
<p id="NplOJe">Who would have known that when Navas was signed from Levante in 2014/2015 <em>(he made only 6 appearances that season) </em>that the following season he would be given the #1 shirt and the job that goes with it. Having some big shoes to fill was no secret, but Keylor showed that he was more than up to the task. He credits Zidane and his coaching philosophy as part of what helped him reach the level of success he had last season.</p>
<blockquote id="UpGGuo"><p>"He has a clear footballing philosophy that we understand well and this helped us win the Champions League as we learned very quickly just what the coach wanted from us," he explained.</p></blockquote>
<p id="WfsEIs">In the Champions League he led all goalkeepers with 9 Clean Sheets and helped guide Los Blancos to the promised land of another European title. He made saves that no one else could have made, even turning away PK’s with reckless abandon. Little did we know he had injured his Achilles, and for the most part was playing in pain.</p>
<p id="nmKK9Y">He decided that it was best to have surgery at the end of the season, this meant that he would not be able to represent his home nation of Costa Rica in the Copa America Centenario. Back in his native Costa Rica he has become somewhat of an icon, something <a href="http://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2016/07/28/579a3a4846163f951b8b4612.html">he’s very humble about</a>.</p>
<blockquote id="bAEzP6"><p>"It is a privilege to be thought of in such a way, I always try to do my best and I try to be a good example for all the kids. I admire them and have a big commitment to them. I hope that in the future they can become great professionals."</p></blockquote>
<p id="W94aJE">He didn’t feature at all while the team toured the US with the International Champions Cup. Instead he trained on his own with goalkeeping coach Luis Lopes. They focused on his upper body keeping pressure off his left heel to help in the recovery. While surgery has corrected the problem, there is still the chance of re-aggravating it. </p>
<p id="iLjJgX">Los Blancos have a very capable back-up to pick up the slack in his absence if he does re-injure it. Navas was not match fit in time for the UEFA Super Cup - Kiko Casilla started instead.</p>
<h3 id="bQ0NpP">What can we expect from King Keylor? </h3>
<p id="c5071V">Solid goalkeeping. Seems pretty simple don’t it?</p>
<p id="Odc5J5">One thing Zidane demands is focus and Navas will have to buckle down on that this season. There were a few goals last season that had he been a bit more focused especially late in matches, they would have been stopped.</p>
<p id="Dja0gY">Will he be as good as he was last year? </p>
<p id="DAM455">I don’t think there will be much fall off from last season if any. It’ll be interesting to see how his surgically repaired Achilles holds up across multiple competitions and the travel involved. I’m not overly worried, but it could flair up and put him on the shelf. W definitely need to keep him healthy as he’s one of the main keys to the season. </p>
<p id="55fGK0">Will he be ready for match day 1 against Real Sociedad? I’d say yes, but I say that with caution. If the team decides he needs more time, Casilla is match fit and ready to go.</p>
<div id="EEtneb"><div><div style="left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VSFboz7TybQ?wmode=transparent&rel=0&autohide=1&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div></div></div>
<h2 id="yqWp0A"></h2>
<h2 id="j2LTe5">#13 Kiko Casilla</h2>
<h3 id="wfrELC">La Liga 2015/2016</h3>
<p id="c9zM5x">Mins: 360<br>Shots: 46<br>Saves: 14<br>CS: 1<br>W/D/L: 3/0/1</p>
<h3 id="YESdvL">UEFA Champions League</h3>
<p id="1qiIN2">Mins: 180<br>Shots: 14<br>Saves: 1<br>CS: 1<br>W/D/L: 2/0/0</p>
<p id="MVGRKo">One thing every club needs <em>(and this is sometimes over</em><em>-looked</em><em>)</em> is a solid backup, someone who can step in with little to no notice and play at a high level. Kiko Casilla is that guy. The 29 year-old Spanish keeper didn’t see a whole lot of minutes during the 2015/2016 campaign, but he made the most of the minutes he did get. </p>
<p id="LdDLCQ">He picked up two starts in the Champions League where he performed well, picking up a couple wins and a clean sheet.</p>
<p id="kxL6zc">Because of the continuing rehabbing of Navas’ achillies surgery, Kiko was called on to start the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla. It was a dream fulfilled as he <a href="http://www.espnfc.com/real-madrid/story/2923627/kiko-casilla-eager-to-prove-worth-with-real-madrid-super-cup-start">hinted</a> it would be before the match:</p>
<blockquote><p id="7j8YNF">"I have dreamed since I was 14-years-old about playing a game like the Supercup final," Casilla said. "I really want the game to come now, to play as well as possible and to take the trophy. To play a game like this is something you dream about since you were young. But I must keep working hard now through the days to come."</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="0XQ26L">What can we expect from Kiko Casilla?</h3>
<p id="7Pn049">Casilla would be a starting keeper on many other teams, especially in La Liga, but he chooses to be at Real Madrid, which we should all be happy about. Some clubs experience a drop off from #1 to #2; not so much with Real Madrid. Look for him to pick up early minutes in both the Copa del Rey and the group stages of the UEFA Champions League this season.</p>
<div id="tPqAoF"><div><div style="left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/siATHhxMBCo?wmode=transparent&rel=0&autohide=1&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div></div></div>
<p id="ik6I5B"></p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2016/8/10/12394850/real-madrid-preview-2016-2017-goalkeepersTimm Higgins2016-08-09T01:00:05+02:002016-08-09T01:00:05+02:00Managing Madrid Staff Predictions For 2016/17
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5vP9HxKk3cPfUfZ-lQSPtd-DiSU=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50313019/GettyImages-535140638.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An optimistic outlook on the future.</p> <h4><span>Gabe Lezra</span></h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Super Cup & Club <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/fifa-womens-world-cup">World Cup</a> Winner: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a> & Real Madrid (because I'm hopeful that losing their coach and (arguably) two best players will have slowed <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/sevilla">Sevilla</a> down...)</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">La Liga Winner: Real Madrid</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Copa del Rey Winner: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.intothecalderon.com/">Atlético Madrid</a></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Champions League Winner: Bayern Munich </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, & Ligue 1 winners (in that order): Chelsea; Bayern; (easiest choice ever) Juventus; PSG</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Player of the Year Award winner: <span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span> </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Ballon D'or 3-man shortlist and winner: Cristiano Ronaldo; <span>Gareth Bale</span>; <span>Lionel Messi</span>. Winner - Cristiano Ronaldo</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Real Madrid top goalscorer: Cristiano Ronaldo</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Real Madrid top assister: Gareth Bale</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Real Madrid breakout player: Marco Asensio</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Most intriguing player to watch: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/paul-pogba-transfer-rumours-news">Paul Pogba</a> </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Best transfer so far: Kante to Chelsea</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Worst transfer so far: Sissoko to Real Madrid (if it happens); </span></p>
<p>Bold prediction: Real Madrid successfully delay their transfer ban appeals process to allow them to sign players during the winter window.</p>
<h4>Lucas Navarrete</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Super Cup & Club World Cup Winner: Real Madrid & Real Madrid (duh)</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">La Liga Winner: Real Madrid</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Copa del Rey Winner: FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Champions League Winner: Bayern</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, & Ligue 1 winners (in that order): Chelsea, Bayern, Juventus, PSG</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Player of the Year Award winner: Cristiano Ronaldo</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Ballon D'or 3-man shortlist and winner: Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Bale (Cristiano wins it)</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Real Madrid top goalscorer: Cristiano Ronaldo</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Real Madrid top assister: Bale</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Real Madrid breakout player: Isco</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Most intriguing player to watch: Ousmane Dembele</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Best transfer so far: Gabriel Jesús to City</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Worst transfer so far: Leroy Sané to City</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Bold prediction: Danilo earns the starting spot this season.</span></p>
<h4>Om Arvind</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Super Cup & Club World Cup Winner: Real Madrid & Real Madrid</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">La Liga Winner: FC Barcelona </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I would love to back Madrid, but with 1 La Liga title in 8 years, it is illogical to consider us the favorites.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Copa del Rey Winner: Real Madrid</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Champions League Winner: FC Bayern Munich </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Pep Guardiola built an impressive roster embedded with a full array of tactical skills that should bleed seamlessly into Carlo Ancelotti's mastery of the Champions League</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, & Ligue 1 winners (in that order): Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Juventus, PSG</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Player of the Year Award winner: Cristiano Ronaldo</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Ballon D'or 3-man shortlist and winner: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez (Ronaldo to win it)</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Real Madrid top goalscorer: Cristiano Ronaldo</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Real Madrid top assister: Cristiano Ronaldo</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Real Madrid breakout player: Alvaro Morata</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Most intriguing player to watch: Mateo Kovacic</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Best transfer so far: Krychowiak to PSG & Xhaka to Arsenal</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Worst transfer so far: Real Madrid losing Jesé to PSG & not attempting to buy Kanté or Krychowiak</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2">Bold prediction: Morata will score 20 goals across all competitions</span></p>
<h4>Timm Higgins</h4>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2">UEFA Super Cup & Club World Cup Winner: Real Madrid & Real Madrid</span></p>
<p>La Liga Winner: Real Madrid</p>
<p>I know I'm a total homer here, but I think this is the year to get the monkey off the back. But let me clarify, I don't think it's going to be a slam dunk. It's a legit three horse race.</p>
<p>Copa del Rey Winner: Real Madrid</p>
<p>UEFA Champions League Winner: Bayern Munich</p>
<p>With Uncle Carlo at the helm I think Bayern has a legit chance to win it. As much as I wanted to put Real Madrid here, it's just so tough for teams to repeat. Trust me it would be very nice, but I'm going to temper my expectations.</p>
<p>Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, & Ligue 1 winners (in that order):</p>
<p>Premier League: Spurs - As a Chelsea fan, it pains me to say that I think Spurs have put it all together this season and will take the title in a nail-biter of a finish.</p>
<p>Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund - The race between Bayern and Dortmund will be tight. Tuchel's boys will get in under the wire to take the title and thus bring a halt to the machine that is Bayern Munich.</p>
<p>Serie A: Juventus - They've gotten stronger, though some could argue that they overpaid for Higuaín. I still don't think there is really a team that can compete with them. Look for them to win their 6th scudetto.</p>
<p>Ligue 1: PSG</p>
<p>UEFA Player of the Year Award winner: Cristiano Ronaldo</p>
<p>Ballon D'or 3-man shortlist and winner: CR7, Bale, Suarez. Winner: CR7</p>
<p>Real Madrid top goalscorer: CR7</p>
<p>Real Madrid top assister: <span>Toni Kroos</span></p>
<p>Real Madrid breakout player: Asensio</p>
<p>Most intriguing player to watch: Nolito</p>
<p>Best transfer so far: Nolito to Man City</p>
<p>I think Pep got the best of the deal and Nolito will be a effective cog in Pep's scheme. Listen, I know most are going to scream at me about the Pogba transfer as the best or worst depending on where you stand - it's just a given. I think Nolito is a steal of a deal and will produce in the Premier League under Guardiola</p>
<p>Worst transfer so far: Gonzalo Higuaín - Overpriced and will most likely regress to the mean.</p>
<p>Bold prediction: La Liga will be won within the first 9 games of the season.UEFA Super Cup & Club World Cup Winner:<br>Real Madrid</p>
<h4>Mike Platania</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Super Cup & Club World Cup Winner: </span>Real Madrid</p>
<p>La Liga Winner: Real Madrid</p>
<p>Copa del Rey Winner: Real Madrid</p>
<p>UEFA Champions League Winner: Bayern Munich</p>
<p>Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, & Ligue 1 winners (in that order): Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, & PSG</p>
<p>UEFA Player of the Year Award winner: Cristiano Ronaldo</p>
<p>Ballon D'or 3-man shortlist and winner: Ronaldo, Messi, Suarez. Ronaldo wins.</p>
<p>Real Madrid top goalscorer: Cristiano Ronaldo</p>
<p>Real Madrid top assister: Gareth Bale</p>
<p>Real Madrid breakout player: Lucas Vázquez</p>
<p>He could very well reach 10 goals and 10 assists on the year, especially with Ronaldo starting the season nursing his knee.</p>
<p>Most intriguing player to watch (can be any player in any league): James Rodríguez</p>
<p>He started last season in unreal form, scoring when he felt like before picking up an injury, and the year prior he played all over the pitch. He's not a one-dimensional, attacking player and could very well wiggle his way into the starting 11 again. This is a big year for James, and I really think the sky is still the limit for him. Zidane's showed he likes to rotate his squad and I have to imagine James will get more minutes than he did last season.</p>
<p>Best transfer so far: Not overpaying for Pogba. But if Real get David Alaba that would hands down be the best move.</p>
<p>Worst transfer so far: Not even pursuing N'Golo Kanté or Grzegorz Krychowiak</p>
<p>Bold prediction: Real Madrid finally take back the league title thanks to Zidane's emphasis on longevity. This team is as deep as anyone's and is built for the spring. If they can keep pace early and hold on through the winter, other teams will succumb to fatigue late while Real are still fresh.</p>
<h4>Nathaniel Bauer</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Super Cup - Sevilla (we'll still be shaking the rust off)</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Club World Cup Winner: Real Madrid</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">La Liga Winner: Real Madrid - Zidane is going to drive one consistent, steady ship this year.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Copa del Rey Winner: Barca (we won't care enough to field our best 11 much)</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Champions League Winner: Real Madrid - RM take down Bayern in the final. Understudy defeats mentor.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, & Ligue 1 winners (in that order): Liverpool, Bayern, Juventus, PSG (all boring sure things aside from the PL)</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">UEFA Player of the Year Award winner: Ronaldo</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Ballon D'or 3-man shortlist and winner: Ronaldo, Messi, Suarez. Winner - Ronaldo</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Real Madrid top goalscorer: Ronaldo</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Real Madrid top assister: Bale</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Real Madrid breakout player: Kovacic</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Most intriguing player to watch (can be any player in any league): Bale</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Best transfer so far: If we get Alaba or some other sound LB. Coentrao won't be fit.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Worst transfer so far: I'm going to go against the grain and say that Morata bombs big time. He'll complain about lack of playing time, won't deliver when on the pitch, and we'll all wish we would have never let Chicharito go (or find someone like him)</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Bold prediction: Real win the double and become the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles. Also, Barca come in a distant third.</span></p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2016/8/9/12395758/managing-madrid-staff-predictions-for-the-2016-17-seasonOm Arvind