3 Biggest Positives for Real Madrid's 2015/16 Season so Far

So first place is now theirs. 

After a 3-0 victory over Levante on Saturday, Real Madrid moved to the top of the table in La Liga, replacing at the summit a Villarreal side that suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Celta Vigo. Eight games into the league season, it's a nice place to be. 

For new manager Rafa Benitez, such an opening to the campaign has represented a positive beginning, with Madrid overcoming obstacles presented by both a transitional period under the new boss and a wave of injuries to make the sort of start that was necessary. 

Certainly, Los Blancos are yet to hit top gear thus far, and debate has raged over the stylistic elements of Benitez's early months in charge. But you sense there's a lot more to come from this Madrid team, and entering Wednesday's clash with Paris Saint-Germain, Benitez's men are top of their Champions League group, too. 

So what has been most encouraging so far this season? Which aspects to the team's play have stood out?

Below, we examine three.

The Form of Keylor Navas

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Less than two months ago, Keylor Navas was sitting in a waiting room at Madrid's Barajas airport, anxiously waiting to be told whether he needed to get on a flight to the northwest of England.

He hadn't wanted to leave, but it wasn't his choice. A contract had been signed with Manchester United, and, on transfer deadline day, all that remained was the impending arrival of David De Gea that would see Navas go the other way. 

But famously, of course, De Gea didn't arrive. "I cried that night when I found out I was staying," Navas told COPE, per Marca. "I want to write my own story at this club."

And writing an early story he is. 

After a frustrating 2014/15 season following his move from Levante, the Costa Rican is now demonstrating exactly why Real Madrid signed him.

In 10 games this season, Los Blancos have conceded just twice, with Navas making a string of key saves along the way. Already he's saved two penalties, while memorable stops against Espanyol, Granada and Levante have proved important in Madrid victories. After the latter, Marca labelled him "bullet-proof."

The replacement for Iker Casillas, the 28-year-old is looking, well, quite a bit like Casillas did at 28. And Madrid, after several seasons of goalkeeping headaches, look a better team for it. 

The Emergence of Casemiro

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Real Madrid might wish they hadn't sent him out on loan. Or maybe they're glad they did. What we do know, however, is that he won't be going anywhere else again. 

In the early stages of the new season, Casemiro has been absolutely exceptional as Benitez's primary holding midfielder, exhibiting the power and physicality that was dearly missing last term when Carlo Ancelotti's side grew susceptible to being roughed up and overworked. 

"I'm back here to be important, to help Madrid," he said in the summer to Marca, per Football Espana. "I'm available to the coach, to go out like a bull and fight." 

Basically, that's what he's done. Relentlessly. 

In tackles, he ranks first at Real Madrid per 90 minutes this season (among players who've made two or more appearances). In interceptions, he ranks second. In passes blocked, he ranks first. In shots blocked, he ranks third. In clearances, he ranks fourth. 

In short, he's exactly what Real Madrid have needed: a feisty and muscular midfield soldier to complement the attacking talent around him. 

Quickly, Casemiro is becoming indispensable. 

Resilience and an Ability to Overcome Setbacks

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So we're 10 games in. A nice time to take stock.

For Real Madrid, the 10 outings have brought seven wins and three draws. It's a positive return. Statistically, it looks encouraging, too: 24 goals scored, only two goals conceded, the most shots on goal in La Liga (20.6 per game) and most chances created (127). 

Admittedly, the opponents to date haven't exactly been fearsome: Only Atletico Madrid among the 10 opposing sides would be considered elite. But you can only play who's on the schedule, and the way in which Real have navigated the opening 10 games has been promising. 

In a transitional period during Benitez's early months in charge, Madrid have found enough answers to emerge unscathed even if some of the performances haven't been vintage. It's an important quality. 

Additionally, Benitez's men have shown an ability to overcome setbacks. Already this season, nine players have suffered injuries, and those nine players haven't been just anyone: Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Jese, Pepe, Daniel Carvajal and Danilo.

Thus, Real's lineup has been in a constant state of flux. Not only have positions been switched around, various systems have also been required to accommodate those who've been available. And still, Madrid remain undefeated. 

There's been a certain resilience that's encouraging.   

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com and Squawka.