Real Madrid's possible starting lineup for the 2018/19 season

Posted Monday, July 23, 2018 by givemesport.com

It's going to be very strange watching Real Madrid next season without Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese superstar has left the Bernabeu after nine trophy-laden years, sealing a £105m move to Juventus.

Los Blancos will also be heading into the campaign with a new manager in Julen Lopetegui after Zinedine Zidane surprisingly announced his departure.

So how could Lopetegui's Real Madrid lineup next season without Ronaldo? Well, we've had a go at guessing below.

GK - THIBAUT COURTOIS

Chelsea will likely cash in on the Belgian if Los Blancos make a serious offer, with Keylor Navas' reign between the sticks being brought to an end.

RB - DANI CARVAJAL

Alvaro Odriozola has been brought in to provide much-needed competition for the Spaniard. The battle for the right-back role will be one to keep an eye on.

CB - SERGIO RAMOS

The captain and leader of Real Madrid will, of course, be in the heart of defence. Expect Lopetegui to rotate him throughout the season to give minutes to Nacho Fernandez and Jesus Vallejo.

CB - RAPHAEL VARANE

A genuine Ballon d'Or contender and one of the best in the business. His World Cup win should only enhance his tremendous form for the club.

LB - MARCELO

Yet another defensive mainstay and one who's position is a dead certainty given the inconsistent form of Theo Hernandez in the famous white shirt.

CDM - CASEMIRO

One of the few areas in the side that has no real cover, with youngster Marcos Llorente the only real option. Some money may be invested in the department.

CM - TONI KROOS

He may have had a disappointing World Cup, but Kroos' position in the team is safe. The German midfield metronome is pretty much irreplaceable.

CM - LUKA MODRIC

Another genuine Ballon d'Or contender who, like Kroos, is simply irreplaceable. Isco, Dani Ceballos and Mateo Kovacic will provide the cover for the midfield pairing.

RW - GARETH BALE

With Ronaldo gone, it's Bale's time to shine. He'll be hoping to make the right-wing position his own but will face stiff competition from Lucas Vazquez, who had a brilliant season last time out.

ST - MAURO ICARDI

Karim Benzema appears to be on the cusp of leaving and the Argentine is a known target for Los Blancos. Given his goal record for Inter Milan, it's safe to assume that he'd be a stellar addition.

LW - EDEN HAZARD

And the final piece of the puzzle. The Belgian looks like the logical replacement for Ronaldo and he wants the move. Marco Asensio as his backup isn't too bad either.