By Umid Dey.
La Liga finally kicked off after a delay of one week due to the strike called by the players union. Real Madrid annihilating Zaragoza 6-0, in their first La Liga game of the season, has filled Madridistas’ hearts with optimism. But can Real Madrid go all the way and win La Liga this season? Here are 4 reasons why Real Madrid can win La Liga this season.
Jose Mourinho’s second season
Mourinho’s second seasons with his former Clubs have usually been very successful. Having led Porto and Inter to Champions League glory in his second full-seasons with them, many Madridistas are hoping that he can emulate those successes with Real Madrid. As Ricardo Carvalho says “his second years are better than his first because the players know each other better – it already happened at Porto and Chelsea,” there is every reason for Madridistas to be optimistic and why not? After all, ‘The Special One’ ended Real Madrid’s 2 year trophy drought by winning the Copa del Rey – a Cup which Real Madrid didn’t win since 1993 – in his first season with Real Madrid.
Benzema’s resurgence
This time, last year, Madridistas were hoping that Karim Benzema finally settles at Madrid and finds his best after a horrible first season. This year, Madridistas are hoping the same thing again. This time, however, there is more confidence in Madridistas’ hearts about Benzema firing on all cylinders.
And why not?
Call me, when I am done scoring..
In 7 pre-season games, Benzema scored 8 goals and assisted 5 times. However, that’s not the only reason for Madridistas increased confidence on Benzema, Benzema’s improved work-rate and attitude are. Never has Benzema been so willing to be involved in his team’s play. Never was Benzema seen so hungry for helping his team out. Earlier, whenever Benzema’s name was thrown into a discussion, a forlorn, shy and stationary figure came into our minds.
But not anymore.
Against Zaragoza, he was the one who won the ball – something you wouldn’t hear for the old Benzema – back which led to Real Madrid’s first goal of the season. If Benzema can carry his pre-season form to the real season, then, Real Madrid might just win the La Liga.
Arrival of Nuri Sahin and Coentrao
Last season, whenever Xabi Alonso didn’t play a game for Real Madrid, we suffered. He is the key man, the focal point of our system. The team rotates around him. This season, however, Nuri Sahin’s arrival will make sure that we don’t suffer when Xabi isn’t around. Nuri Sahin’s never-ending injury seems to be a worrying many Madridistas, but he will be back with a bang.
The Blonde Bull
Coentrao’s arrival raised many eyebrows. “Why do we need him when we have Marcelo? Por Que?” But it seems like all those doubts have been erased from Madridistas’ mind after seeing Coentrao play in the White. Truly speaking, we needed a left-footed Left-Back who could fill in the void of Marcelo if he was injured. Arbeloa is a great Left-Back too, but he certainly doesn’t offer Ronaldo the support which Marcelo does – which, clearly, is one of the most important functions of Real Madrid’s system.
Now, Coentrao, a left-footed and very similar Left-Back to Marcelo, solves this problem. He is quick, never stops running, very strong, good dribbler, good tackler and, most importantly, can play in several positions. In the match against Zaragoza, he played as a Central Midfielder, and played very well there.
Arguably, the strongest bench in the World
Club Football, nowadays, isn’t just a game of XI v XI, it’s about all the 25 players in the squad. We play 3 competitions in one year, which makes it very important for us to strength in depth so that our players don’t run out of steam after playing tons of games.
Real Madrid’s back-up players would make any manager envious – such is the quality of our back-ups. When you see a player like Kaka sitting on the bench and waiting for his chance to come, you can easily figure out the strength of Real Madrid’s bench. Add Sahin, Coentrao, Lass, Granero, Varane, Callejon et al, to that – looks scary, doesn’t it?
Many of us think that this is our season. I, for one, am very optimistic about this season. Let us hope that we Madridistas have the last laugh come May 2012.
Until next time, HALA MADRID!
Real Madrid News
realmadridinfo 
Posted on September 7, 2011 by rmadridinfo
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