Five decisions for Rafa Benitez

Posted Sunday, August 02, 2015 by Marca.com

Real Madrid's immediate future depends on the manager's decision on various important matters.

Loaning out Lucas Silva and Odegaard. These are quite certainly the two players on their way out. Lucas Silva can't play in the team as he is not an EU citizen, and Odegaard has hardly figured at all for Benítez. No one is in any doubt about the bright future of the young Norwegian, but it's still a way to come.

To decide on the future of Cheryshev. Real Madrid are counting on him, and Benítez considers that he can contribute to the side, though he has been identified as cover for Cristiano Ronaldo, and no one is in any doubt that Ronaldo is going to need to rest quite soon. The Russian international has made it clear that he will stay at the club and fight for his place.

A good club for Asensio. Real Madrid's plan is to send him out on loan, though he is regarded as one of the most valued Spanish players, and he would come back again after one season and remain.

To sort out the 'Coentrao case'. Real Madrid would prefer to find a way out for Coentrao, but it is by no means easy. Right now he is the main cover for Marcelo, and if he goes Real Madrid would have to find another left back.

To decide on the first-choice goalkeeper. At present it is not known who the Real Madrid starting keeper is to be, but Navas is the obvious choice. All the same, Casilla is knocking on the door and he has greatly impressed the coaching staff. This is also without considering the possible arrival of De Gea. If they manage to sign the Manchester United goalkeeper, Rafa would have to discard one of his goalkeeping options, and that one might well be Keylor.