Real Madrid’s season officially begins with the European Super Cup against Manchester United this evening.
It is difficult to say what would be seen as Zinedine Zidane’s first choice XI at the moment.
However, the boss will obviously have an idea in mind but may be forced into some changes to that XI he might not have made ordinarily when Real come up against Man United at the Philip II Arena (Tuesday, 7:45pm kick off) for this Super Cup meeting?
A 24 man squad has been named so we can definitely say Zidane will select from these players.
Goalkeepers: Navas, Casilla and Luca.
Defenders: Carvajal, Vallejo, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Theo and Achraf.
Midfielders: Kroos, Modric, Casemiro, Marcos Llorente, Asensio, Isco, Kovacic and Ceballos.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema, Lucas Vázquez and Mayoral.
A number of those above, who would feel they’re first-team regulars if you will; would think they’ll have more a chance of getting a place from the off, others that start on the bench will hope to get some minutes and stake a claim.
Let us know what XI you could see us going with, or indeed would like us to go w ith?
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Ahead of the tie Zidane was in confident mood and insisted Real are ready.
‘We’re going in to it in good shape and also looking forward to starting the season. It’s the first official game and we want it to start. Physically we’re working well and we’ve rested well too. We’re ready,’ he told realmadrid.com. ‘There are many keys elements. We’ll look at them and prepare our game like we always do. We know a lot about the opponents, but what matters to us, primarily, is what we’re going to do. There isn`t one particular key to winning, there are many.’
Looking at Cristiano Ronaldo, back in the mix having returned to training, Zidane said he wouldn’t be in the squad if he didn’t feel he was ready to return, physically and mentally.
‘There’s been a lot of noise, as always, but he’s relaxed and I’m impressed that he’s physically the same as the day of the Champions League final a few months ago. That’s what’s important to me, we can’t do much about the rest. He’s been with us for just three training sessions and that means a lot. If he’s with us it’s because he’s ready to play, but we’ll see tomorrow.’