After capturing the Champions League title in his first season in charge of the club, French legend Zinedine Zidane has made a decent start to the new campaign at Real Madrid. They are currently in the second place, equal on points with cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid and are well on their course to even in Europe. The manager has a star-studded lineup that is among the best in the world and he will surely challenge for all three trophies this season. Injuries to key players has not allowed the Spanish outfit to settle into a first team but the amount of quality in the squad makes it hard for the manager to chose the best XI. But with crunch matches coming up, Zidane should make sure that he has a regular starting lineup that can give them some consistency. So let’s take a look at the strongest lineup that the manager can field when all his players are fit and available:
Keylor Navas:
Though Casilla made a decent start to the season, Keylor Navas is easily the first choice shot-stopper at the club. He is just back to full fitness and will hope to keep his place in goal throughout the season.
Dani Carvajal:
One of the consistent performers for Real Madrid this season, Carvajal, has been impressive so far and should be a regular started on the right side of the defense. Though he has his shortcomings, he is by far the best option in the squad.
Sergio Ramos:
One of the best defenders in Europe at the moment, Ramos is an undisputed started for Real Madrid for years now and he should keep his place in the starting XI in almost every game this season.
Raphael Varane:
Though Pepe has hardly done anything wrong, Varane has shown that he can provide more than what the Portuguese can early this season. He has been a regular starter for the side this season and should keep his place at the back.
Marcelo:
Unarguably the best left-back in the world at the moment, Marcelo has been one of the most consistent performers for the Spanish outfit for a long time now and is the first choice for his position in the squad.
Casemiro:
Though not impressing the previous coaches, Casemiro seems to be in the plans of the French manager after his impressive performance in the previous season and also in the new campaign. He provides the team with some balance and should be a regular starter for the side.
Luka Modric:
Another players who is among the best in his position, Modric has been exceptional so far this season till he picked up an unfortunate injury. His absence was felt by the team as they failed to manage to win games and that shows his importance to the squad.
Toni Kroos:
The German international is a low-profile player but is every bit as talented as most of his teammates at the club. His is a gifted player who has thrived in the midfield in Spain and is a first choice midfielder for Zidane.
Gareth Bale:
The Welsh international is in the best years of his career and is one of the most important players in the side this season. He will take the mantle from Cristiano Ronaldo after his retirement and will hope to have a decent season this campaign.
Karim Benzema:
The French striker has been criticized recently for his lack of contributions to the team but Benzema is one of the best strikers in Europe at the moment and is the best-suited player to lead the line for Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
The Portuguese genius is one of the first names on the team sheet and though he has only scored thrice in the league so far, he is an important player for the side and will start every game this season.