Madridistas, the time has come. A new season is finally among us and a new era begins. It’s been a long summer - from the long-awaited Carlo Ancelotti appointment to the ongoing Bale saga. Finally, what we know and love will take the pitch on Sunday where we can gear up for what will be a long season. So, I’ve compiled a list of 5 predictions for the 2013/2014 campaign. Brace yourselves!
5.) Angel Di Maria will have his best year ever as a Real Madrid player.
I can’t help but notice Angel Di Maria and the job he’s done this preseason. With Isco arriving, it appeared as if Di Maria’s time at Real Madrid would be coming to an end sooner or later. Instead, Angel has taken matters into his own hands and proven to everyone he’s going no where. Angel Di Maria didn’t start much this preseason as Isco took his spot. But when Di Maria got his chance, he always took it. Ancelotti even gave him a new position on the pitch, yet he still performed and adapted well. He brought such energy onto the pitch and the whole team thrived off it. It’s the best Di Maria I’ve seen yet.
Prediction: I predict Di Maria to have a breakout season. Expect him to play a crucial role in Real Madrid’s season, even if he doesn’t start regularly.
4.) Sami Khedira will keep his spot in Real Madrid’s Starting XI.
Sami Khedira is another player that’s impressed this offseason. He is the most underappreciated player at Real Madrid to the point that some Madridistas would let him go in a blink of an eye. He does all the dirty work in the midfield and gives our side a needed physical presence. Just because he’s not the most gifted player doesnt mean he’s not worthy of being in the Starting XI. I continue seeing some Madridistas’ predictions for this years Starting XI and I see a Modric-Alonso pairing in the midfield in almost all of them. With Alonso and Illarramendi injured, Khedira is expected to pair with either Casemiro or Modric to begin the season. But beware, because Sami is going no where.
Prediction: I predict Sami Khedira to be a regular starter for Real Madrid this season. Even when Alonso comes back, I expect Khedira to still be in the midfield and continue his hardwork. Alonso and Modric will be rotating, not Khedira.
3) Cristiano Ronaldo to have his best year ever.
Nothing to add here. We will only go as far as he takes us. The beast is back and in fact, he looks better than ever.
Prediction: Cristiano Ronaldo will score 60-65 goals this season.
2.) Karim Benzema & Alvaro Morata will perform immensely this season.
Many talk has been made during this summer transfer window that Real Madrid desperately need a striker. At the beginning, I was one of those people - thinking and waiting for the day to sign a big-name striker. But as the preseason went on, Benzema looked more and more active and he started to glisten. Ofcourse, he had some off matches - but when he was on point, he looked brilliant. With Higuain gone, I expect Benzema to officially take matters into his own hands and get back to the Benz we all know and have faith in. I believe that the person who will benefit most from Real Madrid not signing another striker is Alvaro Morata. His time is now to show his worth as we all know the potential this kid has - the sky is the limit. Coming off the bench, I expect Morata to grow this season and officially cement his spot in this Real Madrid squad.
Prediction: I predict Karim Benzema to have stellar season, scoring 25-30 goals. I also have Morata scoring 10-15 goals this season. They each have points to prove.
1.) Isco will be the signing of the year across Europe.
Real Madrid’s work this summer when it comes to transfers have been superb. Isco has thus far shown that he will live up to the billing of being a part of Real Madrid. He had a stellar preseason and showcased his amazing talents. The potential pairing of Modric, Isco, and Özil all in the starting lineup is something Real Madrid fans will all be licking their lips at. Isco will be one of the best players in the world very soon and Real Madrid have a diamond for the future.
Prediction: I predict everyone to be talking about Isco as the signing of the season. He will improve this Real Madrid team with his youth, talent, and character as this may be a special year for us..
Twitter: @WeAreMadrid10
