Real Madrid are champions of Spain once again with a game to spare. After what was a transitional season in the 2018/19 campaign, Zinedine Zidane‘s men were able to bounce back and capture the coveted La Liga trophy. While Real Madrid benefited from a weaker Barcelona side this season, they always seemed to struggle domestically compared to their success in Europe, especially in the Lionel Messi era. Los Blancos faithful will surely enjoy their trophy and will look to build on it for next season.
Real Madrid had many key performers over the past ten months, but which of them was the absolute cream of the crop? Honourable mentions go to Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane for their excellent defensive work this season, as well as Federico Valverde for a breakout season.
Top Five Players Players as Real Madrid Win La Liga
5: Real Madrid Captain Sergio Ramos
“O captain, my Captain”. Sergio Ramos is a divisive figure. The Spaniard is outspoken and is known for his devious style of play. This includes incessant fouling and persistent dissent. However, it would be in bad faith if one were to claim Sergio Ramos isn’t an excellent player. Even at 34-years-old, Ramos is putting in shifts at the back. He can sometimes be susceptible to a mistake or two. However, what he lacks in concentration every so often, he more than makes up for with tough-tackling, super leadership, and clutch goal-scoring.
Ramos has ten goals this season so far, with six goals coming from the spot, not bad for a centre half. Ramos doesn’t have many years left but he’s already cemented himself as an all-time great.
4: Real Madrid Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois
From zero to hero. Courtois had a very patchy first season in the Spanish capital. Many fans and critics questioned if the Belgian completely lost his confidence, going from a World Cup golden glove winner to a player who couldn’t catch a simple cross. Courtois’ campaign this season is a testament to why players shouldn’t be given up on just when it starts to go wrong.
This season, Courtois has successfully completed his redemption arc. The towering Belgian has a league-high 18 clean sheets in the league. Surely he’s put himself right back in the conversation with some of the world’s best between the sticks?
3: Real Madrid Top Scorer Karim Benzema
Benzema was the crown jewel of what was at times a struggling Real Madrid forward line. Eden Hazard‘s injury issues, Gareth Bale‘s form, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo’s inexperience were all factors to Madrid’s stumbling attack, but Benzema was able to carry the load. With one game to go, the Frenchman has contributed to 29 goals in the league. The next closest players are Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric with ten goal contributions.
Benzema has always been known as a selfless player. His hold-up play and movement have always allowed his teammates to be constantly involved in the attacks. If he can keep up this form, coupled with a fit Eden Hazard in the attack, Real Madrid could be even more dangerous next season.
2: Toni Kroos
Kroos is the master of consistency. Week in and week out he’ll put up top-notch performances that can often be overlooked by the neutral fan. However, Real Madrid fans know exactly what Kroos means to the team. He’s the heartbeat, the metronome, everything goes through the German.
According to whoscored.com, Kroos averages 67.6 passes per game which is the most from any Real Madrid player, and the fifth most in the league. Kroos’ 2.08 key passes per game and his pinpoint long balls from deep is the x-factor for Zidane’s midfield.
1: Casemiro
It doesn’t take a football analyst to realise that Real Madrid’s defence was the biggest reason for the title victory. Currently, with 23 goals conceded, Real conceded the least amount of goals in Europe’s top five leagues. You can almost track Real Madrid’s form just based on how Casemiro plays. Last season was a forgettable one for the Brazilian hard-man. However, this season was a completely different story. He’s stepped up in a staggering way acting as the protector to the defence that he’s always been. The fantastic 4.8 tackles and interceptions (whoscored.com) doesn’t even tell the complete story.
Casemiro is a more than competent passer. He’s acted as a fulcrum in midfield, linking with Kroos, Modric, and Valverde very effectively. Finally, Casemiro has also been able to chip in with goals at the most valuable time, making him a reliable player in the final third. All four of Casemiro’s goals were winning goals. Most importantly, a brace against Sevilla in what was a gritty affair, and the lone goal in a 1-0 win against Espanyol during the business end of the season. Astounding performances from arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world.
Main Photo
