Five Real Madrid stars who come closest to Zidane as a player
Published:
Matt Haynes | January 5, 2016
While the dust may have settled around the Bernabeu for now in wake of Rafa Benitez’s dismissal and the appointment of Zinedine Zidane, it is fair to say we can expect much comment and analysis in the ensuing days surrounding details of exactly what the Frenchman may bring to the club.
Coral, meanwhile, explore whether Zidane will bring back the Madrid of old for the rest of the La Liga season, that he was a part of and, as such, we thought where better place to start than by identifying which players could take up his old role the best.
Isco
The Spanish attacking midfielder has shown so much potential over his short career so far, though the 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club due to inconsistent performances.
However, in 2013, Isco was credited by Spanish journalist Pablo Pablo as being “the most promising young player in Spanish football”, comparing his vision and passing abilities to that of, Zidane himself.
James Rodriguez
His performances and goals at the 2014 World Cup with Colombia were reminiscent of some of Zidane’s performances in the Frenchman’s pomp.
At Real, 11/2 with Coral to win La Liga, he hasn’t quite had a chance to be at his best, with Cristiano Ronaldo taking the limelight. While he doesn’t possess the range, or even the quality of passing as Zidane, his spectacular and instinctive finishing are a reminder of what the World Cup winner could do.
Gareth Bale
For a player who has operated in a number of positions, the Welshman may have no problem adjusting to a new role, should his new boss see fit, though latest reports indicate that Bale is one of the players who aren’t happy with Zidane’s appointment.
However, with explosive dribbling and shooting ability, Bale like Zidane can be a prominent threat from central areas if he applies himself.
Mateo Kovacic
Having signed in the summer, the Croatian hasn’t had a chance to make much of an impact at Los Blancos, though, he is perhaps a player who perhaps comes the closest to potentially emulating Zidane’s style in the future, however, the 21-year-old is still very raw.
With some serious moulding, he can become world class, is a skilled technician, talented dribbler and has a vast amount of vision and pace.
Martin Odergaard
A modern, attacking midfielder, the 17-year-old Norwegian who arrived at Los Blancos in January 2015, Odergaard has everything that he needs to become one of the world’s best. No doubt Zidane will be monitoring his progress and will be aware of his ability having coached Castilla and assisted first matters for a period.
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