Real Madrid begin their title defence in precisely seven weeks time, and head coach Carlo Ancelotti knows those weeks will pass quickly as he prepares his squad to go again.
The 2021/22 La Liga champions face newly promoted Almeria at the Juegos del Mediterraneo Stadium on the Sunday 14th August and there will be some new faces pushing for a start with fierce competition for places.
The early La Liga 2022 betting odds marginally favour Los Blancos for the title, over a Xavi inspired Barcelona and with Atletico Madrid making up the front three. With the Blaugrana resurgent, Real Madrid need a fast start and this is how I think they might line up, to give themselves the best chance of taking three points from their visit to Andalusia.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
At 6’7”, Courtois towers above opposition strikers and his aura gives his defencive teammates huge confidence. As the last line of defence, he is among the best in the world and at 30 years of age, he’s in his prime as he showed in a man-of-the-match performance in the Champions League final.
Right wing-back: Lucas Vazquez
If anything, Ancelotti has gaps to fill down the right side of his team and rumours are circulating that he may be looking to raid his former club Chelsea for young England star Reece James. But the Blues don’t need to sell and I expect the experienced Vazquez to start the campaign down that flank.
Centre-back: Eder Militao
Brazilian defender Eder was a standout performer for Los Blancos in the back four last term, and he is fully justifying the fee of €50-M Real paid to Porto three seasons ago. He’s a strong tackler with a good reading of the game and will be hard to displace in the 2022/23 campaign.
Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger’s arrival from Chelsea has been on the cards for months and I expect him to make a start in the opening game on the left side of Eder. The competition will come from versatile Austrian defender David Alaba.
Left wing-back: Ferland Mendy
With the legendary Marcelo now departed the French flying wing-back Mendy should make the left berth his own. He has pace to burn and a dangerous cross which makes him an asset at either end of the pitch.
Defencive midfield: Casemiro
The signing of 22-year-old France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni will give Casemiro some competition but I expect Ancelotti to keep faith with the 30-year-old Brazilian star. With 24 goals in 221 games, Casemiro is entering his 10th campaign with Los Blancos and he will be a great mentor for Tchouameni.
Midfield: Luka Modric
This could be the last season for Real Madrid’s creative midfielder but, at 36 years, the Croat shows no sign of aging. His movement on and off the ball is second to none. He remains a brilliant dribbler with a superb array of passes and shots and Modric is always a joy to watch.
Midfield: Federico Valverde
I think the midfield trinity of Toni Kroos, Modric, and Casemiro will see a change on the right side as 23-year-old Federico Valverde has shown enough to oust the experienced Kroos. The Uruguayan’s pace, stamina, and work ethic gives Los Blancos the tempo they need in the tight games.
Right attack: Mo Salah
Here’s the wild card!
The future of Liverpool’s Egyptian talisman has been the subject of wild speculation in the UK and Jurgen Klopp is making little progress in his attempt to persuade him to stay at Anfield. My Manchester United supporting SBOTOP colleague, James, would be happy enough to see the Reds lose their star man.
And at a price of £60-M, Liverpool may well be persuaded to sell, with Real Madrid the most likely destination for Salah. If he doesn’t arrive then Rodrygo deserves to continue.
Centre attack: Karim Benzema
One thing you can pretty much guarantee is that the red hot Benzema will continue to write the La Liga 2022 news headlines with his all action attacking displays and prolific goal scoring antics. He stormed to Golden Boot wins in La Liga and the Champions League last term and is primed to lead the way again this season.
Left attack: Vinicius Junior The young Brazilian striker is one of the stars we expect to shine at the Qatar World Cup in November and he’ll be pushing Benzema all the way in the race for the 2022/23 Golden Boot. At 21 years of age, Vinicius has the potential to be a Galactico for a decade to come and he is an asset Ancelotti is desperate to keep.
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