Real Madrid: 10 Players Who Could Ignite a 2nd Galacticos Era

Any football fan should remember one of the greatest eras in Real Madrid history. The Galacticos (Superstars) era, around in the early 2000's, was one of the finest in most modern football fans' memories.

Maybe it was a publicity stunt by the club, but it really did pay off.

The team won multiple trophies during the era and did it with flair and style that excited football fans the world over.

The team contained greats like Roberto Carlos, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, David Beckham and Ronaldo.

Recently, however, Barcelona have overtaken Real Madrid in terms of quality, and it is guaranteed to be very difficult for Madrid to overturn their Spanish rivals.

Here, however, is a list of 10 players who could prove to be the start of a new Galactico's era at the club.

Gareth Bale

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: Gareth Bale of Tottenham Hotspur warms up at a Tottenham Hotspur training session at the Spurs Lodge on March 8, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Age: 21

Position: Left winger

Reason: Tottenham's Welsh sensation has been picking up the headlines all season, and deservedly so.

The youngster's hat trick at the San Siro in the Champions League group stages placed him firmly on the map in European football.

Since then, his form has gone from strength to strength, with many European scouts rumoured to have been spotted at the club's games.

Some rumours have gone so far as to suggest that Real Madrid could offer as high as £70 million to get Bale out of North London.

Rafael/Fabio Da Silva

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MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 06: Rafael Da Silva (L) sits on the bench beside his twin brother and team mate Fabio Da Silva of Manchester United prior to the Pre Season Friendly match between Manchester United and Juventus at Old Trafford on Augus

Current Club: Manchester United

Age: 20 (Both twins)

Position: Right Back (Rafael), Left Back (Fabio)

Reason: The young Brazilian twins have been causing quite a stir recently with some of their performances.

Rafael is the more prominent of the two, but Fabio is also hugely talented.

While the pair may take a small while to be able to be the best full backs in the world, they definitely have the potential to fulfil that role.

In fact, Rafael has drawn comparison's to Roberto Carlos in the past and praise does not come much higher than that for a full back.

Thomas Muller

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MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 23: Lucio of Inter Milanfights for the ball with Thomas Mueller of FC Bayern Muenchen during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Inter Milan v FC Bayern Muenchen on February 23, 2011 in Milan, Italy. (Ph

Current Club: Bayern Munich

Age: 21

Position: Attacking Midfielder/Striker

Reason: With the Bundesliga quickly becoming one of the strongest leagues in Europe, it seems a long shot that Thomas Muller would leave Munich to join Real Madrid, but stranger things have happened.

The striker was the Golden Boot winner at the 2010 FIFA World Cup as well as being named Best Young Player of the tournament.

Since the World Cup he has been a significant player in a strong Bayern Munich side and could well prove to be a smart acquisition by any club.

Samir Nasri

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Samir Nasri of Arsenal is seen under the Wembley arch as adidas present the Official Match Ball for the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium on March 3, 2011 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gary Prior/Gett

Current Club: Arsenal

Age: 23

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Reason: Real Madrid already have a strong midfield, but very few teams would turn down Samir Nasri.

It may be a strange move to make, but Real Madrid have already managed to force Cristiano Ronaldo out of Manchester United, so there's no reason they couldn't force Arsenal's star midfielder out of a move too.

Nasri has had a spectacular season in the Premier League, with some people calling him the player of the season so far.

The player has all the right qualities to be a hit in European football and would no doubt prove a solid purchase for Real Madrid.

Mario Balotelli

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MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 05: Mario Balotelli of Manchester City looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Wigan Athletic at the City of Manchester Stadium on March 5, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by La

Current Club: Manchester City

Age: 20

Position: Striker

Reason: Mario Balotelli is one of the most talked about young players in the world right now.

This may be largely because of his egotistical personality but is partly attributable to the form he has shown for Manchester City this past season.

The Italian youngster has made it clear that Manchester City is not a part of his long-term plans and so a move could well be on the horizon for the striker already.

If Mourinho has a change of heart over Balotelli since their time together at Inter, then the young Italian could be the start of a new Galacticos era at Madrid.

Neymar

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 10: Neymar #11 and Paulo Henrique Ganso #10 of Brazil celebrate Neymar's goal against the U.S. in the first half of a friendly match at the New Meadowlands on August 10, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Ze

Current Club: Santos

Age: 19

Position: Striker

Reason: Another one of the most talked about youngsters in the world right now, Neymar has already made two appearances for Brazil at just 19.

He looks set to be a key part in their international set-up for years to come, and having made his mark so early is very impressive.

In his seven appearances for Brazil's Under-20 squad, he has scored nine goals and been proving his remarkable talent.

If Real Madrid could agree on a fee for the striker, then there is no reason he couldn't prove to be the beginning of a new Galacticos era.

Didier Drogba

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 10: Didier Drogba of Chelsea looks on during his conference as part of the Global Sports Forum day 1 on March 10, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Current Club: Chelsea

Age: 33

Position: Striker

Reason: As one of the older players on this list, Drogba is also one of the most experienced.

While it's a long shot that Madrid may approach Drogba to start a new Galacticos era, the club will be fully aware of the talent that the player has, despite being off form recently.

It is unlikely that anything will happen here largely because of his age, but if Real Madrid are looking for a big name to kick off a new Galactico's era, then Drogba being unsettled at Chelsea could be great news for them.

Sergio Aguero

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MONACO - AUGUST 27: Sergio Aguero of Atletico celebates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Super Cup match between Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid at Louis II Stadium on August 27, 2010 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty

Current Club: Atletico Madrid

Age: 22

Position: Striker

Reason: Another young striker that may take Real Madrid's fancy is Sergio Aguero, despite him playing for their local rivals.

With Atletico strapped for cash, rumours have suggested that the club offered Aguero and Forlan to Tottenham for a combined fee of £40 million, meaning they may be willing to let Aguero leave at the right price.

There may be better options for Real Madrid and better options for Sergio Aguero, but as is well-known in the footballing world, stranger things have happened.

Lewis Holtby

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COLCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 18: Lewis Holtby of Germany battles with Gavin Hoyte of England during the match between England U19 and Germany U19 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on November 18, 2008 in Colchester, England. (Photo by Jamie

Current Club: FSV Mainz 05 (on loan from Schalke 04)

Age: 20

Position: Winger

Reason: It's a long shot and it would be a big gamble for Madrid to take.

Holtby has not proved himself at the highest level yet, but has shown glimpses of huge potential that could attract any club in the world.

The 20-year-old isn't quite a huge name around the world either, which could also put Real Madrid off if they are trying to start a new Galactico's era.

With that said, the club may be willing to take a gamble and build for the future, in which case Lewis Holtby would be a good bet.

Marek Hamsik

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NAPLES, ITALY - MARCH 06: Marek Hamsik of Napoli in action during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Brescia Calcio at Stadio San Paolo on March 6, 2011 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Current Club: Napoli

Age: 23

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Reason: The Slovakian national team captain drew much attention following some strong performances at the World Cup and has shown a lot of potential.

At 23, Hamsik has started gathering much valuable experience although has lacked playing in European competitions.

Like Lewis Holtby, the signing of Marek Hamsik could be a risk for Real Madrid, especially with such a strong midfield already, but if they do want to build for the future and take a gamble, then Hamsik would be another player that Madrid may take a look at.