Picking a Possible Real Madrid Starting XI Under Rafa Benitez
Soon after Rafa Benitez had been unveiled as the new Real Madrid manager, he was asked about the squad he'd inherited from Carlo Ancelotti and which areas he'd look to strengthen in the transfer market.
Benitez's response, as relayed by Marca, was careful, but he made an important point: "It's difficult to improve what there is. In time, we'll talk about what possibilities for signing new players exist—but always aware of what we already have."
It was the clearest indication that Benitez's changes will most likely come in the form of an altered system and lineup rather than sweeping adjustments to the complexion of the squad.
As such, there's been considerable speculation over how the new boss will deploy his Real Madrid team next season. How will he get the best out of Gareth Bale? Where will the evolving Cristiano Ronaldo play? Does Karim Benzema fit the system? How will the goalkeeping saga be settled? Will Raphael Varane earn a permanent place in the first XI?
The questions are vast and possibilities almost endless. Across the following slides, we've gone ahead and selected an XI Benitez might use when the 2015-16 season arrives.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
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It's the transfer saga that just keeps on going, one that's become a power struggle between Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Madrid want David De Gea, but United are playing hardball, wanting Sergio Ramos in return or a hefty fee for the outstanding goalkeeper.
As such, what once seemed straightforward has become messy, and De Gea's potential switch to Real Madrid now seems very much dependent on Ramos' situation. AS reported that the defender's relationship with president Florentino Perez has reached a "point of no return," and Perez won't want to lose face by being seen to be bowing to Ramos' contract demands.
Thus, the centre-back's departure now seems very possible, which would most likely see De Gea make the switch to the Bernabeu and supplant Iker Casillas in goal.
Right-Back: Danilo
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Dani Carvajal has done nothing wrong. Nothing at all. The young Spaniard was one of the outstanding right-backs of the 2014-15 season in La Liga, giving Real Madrid a potent attacking punch down the right flank.
But the club has forked out a massive €31.5 million to sign Danilo from Porto, making the Brazilian the most expensive defender in Real's history.
Consequently, there'll be significant pressure from Perez on Rafa Benitez to play Danilo ahead of Carvajal.
And at the Bernabeu, Perez nearly always gets his way.
Centre-Back: Raphael Varane
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Even before the Sergio Ramos saga gathered steam, Raphael Varane looked ready for an increased role at Real Madrid in 2015-16.
"Varane prepped for step up" ran Marca's headline in mid-June, stating that Real had decided "the Frenchman has done his apprenticeship and now deserves to be a fully fledged regular starter."
As was explained here at Bleacher Report earlier in July, the Frenchman is ready for the promotion, having spent four seasons as an understudy to Ramos and Pepe.
An extraordinary talent, Varane has already given us plenty of glimpses of how influential he could become, and 2015-16 looks like the year Real Madrid will fully harness his gifts.
Centre-Back: Pepe
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When the news that Raphael Varane was set for a promotion came in June, Pepe seemed almost certain to be the man who would have to make way for the Frenchman.
But the veteran centre-back could be the biggest beneficiary from the Sergio Ramos situation, given he'd most likely retain his place in the XI if the Spaniard were to depart the Bernabeu.
It's not a disaster for Real Madrid, either, with the Portuguese coming off one of his best seasons at the club—one that featured a greatly improved disciplinary record and a number of robust, resilient performances in the middle of a back four that received little protection from Real's midfield and suffered from Iker Casillas' struggles in net.
Left-Back: Marcelo
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When Marcelo returned to Real Madrid following his disastrous performance in Brazil's 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany in last summer's World Cup, his reputation was almost in free fall.
Perceived as an undisciplined and inattentive full-back with a one-way, attacking mentality, many expected him to be relegated to a backup role behind Fabio Coentrao last season.
Instead, the Brazilian became one of Carlo Ancelotti's most trusted performers, operating with flair and an improved defensive work ethic to be among the leading full-backs in La Liga.
Under Rafa Benitez, Marcelo should be capable of continuing in that vein.
Midfield Pivot: Toni Kroos
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This is where the real changes will likely start in Real Madrid's lineup under Rafa Benitez. Most expect Carlo Ancelotti's hybrid 4-3-3/4-4-2 to be dropped in favour of a 4-2-3-1.
If that occurs, Toni Kroos will certainly be one of the men in the double pivot or "two," having spent the 2014-15 season transitioning from a gifted attacker into a silky holding midfielder.
For much of the season, the German was a success in his new role, with his crisp distribution giving real fluency to Real Madrid's midfield. But the former Bayern Munich star suffered from a lack of rotation as the season wore on, and against stronger opponents, he was harmed by the absence of another body alongside him.
If Benitez does implement a 4-2-3-1, that will change and Kroos should benefit.
Midfield Pivot: Luka Modric
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"[Luka] Modric alone, through his presence and absence, defined the two halves of Real Madrid's season," we recently wrote at Bleacher Report.
With Modric in the XI, Real Madrid were formidable. Without him, their season fell away.
Absolutely critical to Los Blancos' fluency, the Croatian, a majestic central midfielder, has an incredible impact on both Real's attacking power, defensive strength and overall balance. He will be a key member of Rafa Benitez's XI in 2015-16.
In a 4-2-3-1, Modric should be a perfect fit alongside Kroos in the central "two," and providing he remains injury free, he will be among the most influential figures in Europe.
Right Wing: James Rodriguez
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Four attacking stars. Four versatile men. Four positions with countless options.
The question for Rafa Benitez: How to configure the quartet of James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo?
With Bale wanting to change sides from the right to the left, according to Marca, Rodriguez would be the obvious option to be Benitez's right-sided attacking option, having performed that role intermittently in 2014-15 under Carlo Ancelotti.
With his potent left boot, the Colombian can be an extremely dangerous threat cutting in from the right, while his ultra-smooth interplay skills give him the ability to link up delightfully with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
No. 10: Karim Benzema
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Karim Benzema as a No. 10? Really?
It might sound foolish, given that both James Rodriguez and Isco represent natural fits for the position. However, Benzema's diverse talents are needed in the XI, and he can play the No. 10 role.
Think about: Between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, that's essentially what the Frenchman has been in the last two seasons anyway, acting as the fulcrum with two dashing wide men either side.
From his centre-forward position, Benzema has linked extremely well with the midfield. He specialises in laying the ball off to runners and possesses a combination of size and technical quality that would make him a real handful between the lines of opposing defences.
Left Wing: Gareth Bale
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Marca said that Gareth Bale "wants to throw off the positional yoke."
The Madrid-based daily added: "He has no intention of playing on the right wing. He does not like playing there and thinks that his game suffers when he does."
Under Rafa Benitez, the Welshman's role is likely to be significantly altered next season as Real Madrid attempt to recapture the forward's brilliance of 2013-14.
On the left, Bale would likely enjoy greater freedom and be able to use his pace and dynamism to blow past defenders while using his preferred left boot instead of constantly forced to turn into congestion from the right.
Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo
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In 2014-15, he started from the left. But he scored like a No. 9.
All the statistics indicated just that, as Cristiano Ronaldo moved closer to goal to become a deadly and ultra-efficient striker rather than a barnstorming left-winger.
Indeed, he needed fewer shots per goal, took a greater percentage of shots from within the penalty area, scored more often inside the six-yard box and used his head more.
If all the data suggests he's evolving into a No. 9, he may as well be positioned as one.
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