New Real Madrid Galacticos not as good as the old
Published:After the signing of James Rodriguez from Monaco, Real Madrid have assembled one of the most frightening front lines in world football.
The Colombian ace will take his place alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema in a side expected to blitz La Liga.
Ladbrokes News picks five of the current crop against five of the best from years gone past to find out.
Roberto Carlos v Sergio Ramos
As far as marauding defenders go these are two of the best to have ever played the game. Carlos’ 66 goals from 512 games and Ramos’ 48 from 403 so far mark them out as prolific players in their position.
Both have won numerous trophies with Madrid but the three Champions League success and the goal below see the Brazilian shade this one.
Winner: Old Guard
Luis Figo v Toni Kroos
Kroos is yet to kick a ball for Madrid and has some big boots to fill to emulate Figo.
The Portuguese midfielder won over the Madrid crowd with 57 goals in 239 games, winning two league titles, two Supercopas and the Champions League while living up to the hype of being the 2000 Ballon d’Or winner.
Kroos has won it all in Germany and lifted the World Cup and Champions League but has to reach another level to challenge Figo on an individual level.
Winner: Old Guard
David Beckham v Gareth Bale
This battle of the Brits is edged by the Welshman who has already achieved so much in his short Los Blancos career.
Beckham’s 20 goals in 155 games brought a long-awaited La Liga title and a Supercopa win and showed he was there to do more than sell shirts.
However, Bale’s debut season delivered 22 goals in 44 games the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. He may have cost the earth but he’ll deliver more honours in the years to come.
Winner: New Guard
Zinedine Zidane v Cristiano Ronaldo
It may be blasphemy but Ronnie gets the nod in this battle. Zizou may have made the game look effortless, while Ronaldo clearly puts in a lot of work.
However, what’s just as clear is that this work pays off. An astonishing 252 goals from 246 games and counting make Ronaldo the fourth highest scorer in the club’s history and the player who led the team to the all important La Decima.
Winner: New Guard
Ronaldo v James Rodriguez
His World Cup exploits showed that Rodriguez has the tools to become the world’s best but he is yet to deliver domestic success at the highest level.
Ronaldo netted 111 times in 193 club appearances and lifted and but only managed to deliver one La Liga title and one Supercopa from his five-year stay.
The Brazilian takes this battle but it could be a different story in a few short years!
Winner: Old Guard
FINAL SCORE: Old Guard 3 – 2 New Guard
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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