La Liga
Six Positions, Seven Players: Lineup Dilemma For Real Madrid
The curtain opens on another exciting year of soccer for the most successful club in Spanish history, arguably the world. ‘Los Merengues’ enter the 2018/2019 season after losing both it’s best player and one of its greatest coaches, namely Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane respectively.
However, where there should be despair, there is optimism. After a promising pre-season, the club and it’s fans are looking forward to Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup match against neighboring rivals Atletico. New coach Julen Lopetegui has made a positive start to life in the Spanish capital after all.
In attack, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio have all appeared to be on good form. Ronaldo’s exit appears to have opened up a can of possibilities. Both Bale and Asensio share 3 pre-season goals each with Benzema close behind on 2. Additionally, link up play has been promising. All three players have assists and seem to share an understanding of one another.
As a result, Lopetegui has something of a dilemma to sort out within his lineup. While his defense is fairly straight forward, the former Spain coach will be forced to regularly bench one of his world class players come August 19th.
The Problem
Currently, between attack and midfield, ‘Los Blancos’ possess seven players who would most likely be guaranteed a start at any major club. This, despite the exit of Ronaldo as well as Mateo Kovacic’s recent loan to Chelsea. Most agree that Bale, Benzema, Asensio, Isco, Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric are all worthy of first team football.
While young Asensio is most likely to sit, the Spaniard’s synchronization with Bale makes a case for his inclusion. Interestingly, some fans would see Benzema go as a solution. Although selling the club’s only experienced striker when he is on form is probably not in Florentino’s plans.
Regardless, the midfield trio of Kroos, Casemiro and Modric are almost certainly untouchable. Along with Ronaldo’s goals, few would disagree that this midfield combination delivered three Champions League trophies in as many years.
Furthermore, Modric is arguably the world’s best midfielder. The Croatian, fresh off a World Cup final appearance and in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or, is key to the whites chemistry. Whereas his Brazilian and German teammates are absolutely crucial to the team’s balance.
Midfield magician Isco would have thought the days of fighting for his spot were over with the exit of Ronaldo. Unfortunately for him, the emergence of Asensio further complicates the matter. Whichever combination Lopetegui chooses, he risks upsetting and/or losing much needed talent to compete for titles. Kovacic, in this case, being exhibit A.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, one man must sit. Perhaps Lopetegui already knows who the player is and has spoken with the squad about it. The Spanish coach has already become popular among his players for his communication and likable personality. Provided that good relationships are maintained, ‘star’ rotation may be welcomed by his lead men.
The European champions will need to dig deep in order to compete in all three competitions ahead. Replacing the 50 goals that went to Italy with Ronaldo will not be easy. All eyes are now on Lopetegui and his squad selection for Wednesday’s big match with Atletico.
Modric has only played several minutes during pre-season action and is not expected to play. Rather, the 32 year old should not feature until the start of La Liga on Sunday. At that point, he will start the dilemma for his coach. In the meantime, for six players, it is a fight for the coach’s confidence, Asensio most of all.
