Sergio Ramos, Modric, Kroos and Hazard: Real Madrid's new spine

  /  autty

Real Madrid played three pre-season matches during their pre-season tour in the United States, with four players starting in every game: Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Eden Hazard.

Ramos is the only defender to have started every match. He played alongside Raphael Varane against Bayern Munich, and then against Arsenal and Atletico Madrid with Nacho, though the 29-year-old received an early sending off against the Gunners.

In midfield, Zinedine Zidane has not been able to call upon Casemiro and Fede Valverde after their participation in the Copa America, while he is still dreaming of bringing Paul Pogba to the club. Modric and Kroos have been the two regulars in midfield during the tour, and in the games against Bayern and Atletico, Isco was the player who formed the midfield trio.

It's clear that Hazard has a place carved out for himself in the attacking trident. He is one of the players who is expected to rejuvenate Los Blancos, while it is clear that Karim Benzema will also have a guaranteed spot in the starting line-up once the season gets underway.

Without starting in every game, Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Varane, Marcelo and the aforementioned Benzema will all be starters. The battles that are remaining are for the final spot in midfield, if Pogba does not arrive, and on the right wing.

Related: Real Madrid Ramos Modric Kroos Hazard
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