Real Madrid are having a memorable 2023-24 season as they are well on the way to adding another La Liga title to their trophy cabinet and are also one of the favorites to win the UEFA Champions League.
In the latter competition, the Whites still have to face Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semi-final round with the score tied at 2-2, and if they manage to advance to the final, they will have to face off against either Borussia Dortmund or Paris Saint Germain.
However, in La Liga, Real Madrid do not need to exert themselves a lot to win the trophy, as they currently stand eleven points clear of second-placed Barcelona, with only five games remaining in this campaign.
As is evident from this points differential, the Merengues have clearly been the dominant team in the league this season, and several players have contributed to this domination.
The contributions of several players can also receive significant recognition at the end of the season as Mundo Deportivo reports that there are up to 8 Real Madrid players named by La Liga to be vying for a position in the Team of the Year.
These eight players are as follows:
- Andriy Lunin
The Ukrainian goalkeeper has stepped up in Courtois’ absence, and has beaten Kepa for a starting spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup. His performances have been key for Real Madrid in their La Liga campaign, and he will be competing with Unai Simon and Alvaro Valles for the goalkeeper spot in the team of the year.
- Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger has been one of the most important players for the Merengues, and has had a season to remember in both La Liga and Champions League. His leadership in defense has been key for Ancelotti, especially in the absence of Militao and Alaba, and Rudiger has clearly been one of the best defenders in Spain this year.
- Dani Carvajal
The Spaniard has turned back the years this season, as he is performing at a very high level, both in attack and defense. He has kept the right side well-stabilised for Ancelotti, and has also had some important offensive contributions spread throughout this La Liga campaign.
- Jude Bellingham
With 17 goals to his name, the Englishman has really announced his arrival in Spain with his first season in the white shirt. He is one of the contenders for the Pichichi this season, and his goals against Barcelona in both home and away fixtures have been key to Real Madrid’s healthy lead at the top of the league table. Furthermore, he has contributed immensely to the team in other ways as well.
- Toni Kroos
The German continues to remain one of the most important players on the field for Real Madrid, and at 34 years of age, Ancelotti still considers him to be an indisputable leader of the midfield.
- Fede Valverde
The Uruguayan has been one of the most trusted players for the Italian tactician this season, as he has appeared in all 33 league and 11 Champions League games up to now. His energy in the middle of the field has provided Ancelotti with a highly reliable piece contributing both to the attack and defense.
- Vinicius Junior
Along with Bellingham, Vinicius has been once again the brightest star for Real Madrid in this La Liga campaign. His role has changed somewhat in Karim Benzema’s absence, as he is operating more centrally, and has taken on greater goal-scoring responsibilities, adding 13 goals to his league tally.
- Rodrygo Goes
The Brazilian is the Swiss Army Knife for Carlo Ancelotti in the attack, as he has played as a winger on both wings, and also in the centre of the attack. He has scored 10 goals in 31 games.
Most of these players will hopefully be able to feature in the final Team of the Year that La Liga will announce at the end of the season as Real Madrid are the favourites to win the title.
But for now, there are still five matches remaining in the league campaign, and these players will have to remain at the best to actually achieve this recognition.
