Raphael Varane News and Analysis

11Aug

By Javier MartinezNo Comments

Features, LaLiga

Real Madrid’s Best XI Since 2000

Real Madrid, regarded as the most successful football club in history, has had the privilege of seeing numerous legendary players wear its iconic white kit. Over the past two decades, the club has enjoyed a golden era, winning multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles. With so many great players contributing to the club's success, it leads to an interesting question: Who are the best eleven players to have represented Real Madrid since the 2000/2001 season? Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois If no one has ever dared to say it, then I'll be the first to do so: Thibaut Courtois is not only better but he's also surpassed Iker Casillas as Real Madrid’s greatest-ever keeper. Along with being a more complete keeper than Casillas (excelling in aerial play, ball distribution, and reflexes),...

Ranking the 10 best transfers in Real Madrid history

Nobody makes blockbuster signings quite like Real Madrid. From David Beckham and Zinédine Zidane to Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, Los Blancos have made some of world football's most iconic transfer splashes over the decades, using these superstar signings to mark different eras of the club. But while the Galácticos are known for the glitz and glamor, the most impressive thing about Real Madrid is how sustainably the club has been run over the last decade after president Florentino Pérez learned from his mistakes in his first run. Real Madrid have become a club capable of making huge signings like Jude Bellingham, but they are also able to unearth gems outside of the top five leagues or invest in top talents for less than 10 million euros. All the while, they generate plenty of reve...

Ranking the 10 best center backs in Real Madrid history

Although Real Madrid is a club famous for its attacking superstars and dominance on the offensive side of the ball, they've also boasted some strong defensive spines over their many decades of excellence as an organization. So let's take some time to recognize the great center backs who have plied their trade for the Merengue club over the years, ranking the top 10 central defenders in the history of Real Madrid. 10. Iván Helguera Capable of shining as a defensive midfielder or center back, Iván Helguera was a talented footballer who could pick out difficult passes and lead the line. An intelligent defender, Helguera is one of the most underappreciated players in Real Madrid history, and you wonder if he would be cherished by more fanbases around the world for his unique skill set ...