Three current Real Madrid players, along with two others who made up part of the Champions League winning squad last season, have been named in L’Equipe’s team of the year for 2014.
Sergio Ramos, Toni Kroos and Cristiano Ronaldo all were picked for their outstanding years, along with former Los Blancos players Angel di Maria and Xabi Alonso.
The French paper’s team of the year was largely made up of Real or German players, following Germany’s success at the World Cup in the summer.
Ramos played a key role in his side’s Champions League success. As well as being a rock at the back, he also popped up with two vital goals in the semi final against Bayern Munich before scoring the most important goal of his life – the last gasp equaliser in the final against Atletico de Madrid.
Toni Kroos arrived in the summer on the back of helping his former side Bayern to the domestic double and playing a key role in Germany’s World Cup win. Since arriving in the Spanish capital he has slotted into the side easily and already picked up two trophies – the European Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Ronaldo, shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or in January, has once again raised his game to a new level. He netted 50 goals once more last season – four year in a row now for Los Blancos and set a new Champions League record along the way. He has started this season on even more devastating form.
Alonso and di Maria both also played key roles in Los Blancos’ win in the Champions League – the Decima – but were sold to Bayern Munich and Manchester United respectively in the summer.
