REAL MADRID
For Real Madrid fans, the summer activity has not felt especially productive, with targets either attracting heavy bids from other clubs or deciding to stay put.
A couple of months ago, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard was at the top of the list, but an injury during the World Cup qualifiers forced Real’s hierarchy to play the waiting game. Reportedly angered by this, the Belgian decided to stay one more year at Stamford Bridge.
Then, AC Milan goalkeeping wunderkind Gianluigi Donnarumma signed a contract extension after failing to force through a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Adding to this, club superstar Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave, following a lawsuit filed by the Spanish tax authorities. But everything is not as it seems.
For one, club president Florentino Perez wouldn’t mind selling Ronaldo, who has been convinced by the coach to accept a ‘reduced’ role, as it will free up funds to buy Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe, its top target.
Real could also raid Ligue 1 for PSG’s impressive right-back Thomas Meunier, with Danilo looking set for Manchester City. Both Mbappe and Meunier have other suitors, but coach Zinedine Zidane is not overly worried.
He has kept an all-conquering squad’s nucleus intact. And he is now working on implementing his fundamental regime of experimenting with players in pre-season.
Last season, Zidane created his own style and rotated the squad brilliantly to keep every player feeling involved and switched on.
“Zidane has managed the squad cleverly,” said captain Sergio Ramos. “It’s not a simple situation here because all the players want to play. He’s done a very smart job.”
The club has also stayed active in recruiting domestic players for the future, Spanish under-21 midfielder Dani Ceballos and fullback Theo Hernandez among them. Diego Llorente, who impressed on loan at Malaga, will be drafted in as defensive cover.
In the upcoming season, Real Madrid will continue to play a fluid system, alternating predominantly between a 4-3-1-2/4-4-2 (diamond) and a traditional flat 4-4-2. With two Champions League titles and a La Liga crown, Zidane looks the Real deal!
TARGETS
Kylian Mbappe (AS Monaco)
18 | Centre-forward
Market value: €35 million
Football’s hottest young talent, Mbappe’s explosive pace, quick feet and close control can flummox the best. He can play on the left-wing when Ronaldo is rested and combine well with compatriot Karim Benzema to devastating effect.
Verdict: Signing-of-the-season material
Thomas Meunier (PSG)
25 | Right-back
Market value: €9 million
Opponents tasked with harrying the PSG right-back usually find themselves running backwards desperately, trying to keep track of the marauding Belgian. Given that he is a fantastic crosser of the ball, Ronaldo will be licking his lips.
Verdict: Can become No.1 right-back
Source: transfermarkt.com
