Zidane Could Create Dynasty at Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane appears to be on the right track to make the successful transition from world-class player to manager of the highest quality. The Frenchman has already achieved one of the crowning pinnacles of the game by guiding Real Madrid to the Champions League crown last season, the club’s 11th European title and second in the past three years.

Real’s form in La Liga has been dominant in the 2016-17 campaign, suggesting that the balance of power has swung back in their favour in their El Clasico battle with Barcelona. Their record-breaking run of 40 matches without defeat in all competitions was ended by Sevilla, but it was enough to remove the Catalan club’s name from the top spot in Spanish football.

Zidane’s men now have a place in history, but he will be determined to create a dynasty at the Bernabeu by adding his first league title as manager to his Champions League crown. Madrid are backed in the latest La Liga betting odds at 1/2 to win the division for the first time since Jose Mourinho’s departure in 2012, but will need to maintain their standards of excellence to fend off their rivals.

The Frenchman has eased the pressure on Cristiano Ronaldo to fire the club to the title single-handed, although the Portuguese’s brilliance has shown no signs of abating. He has still notched 12 goals in La Liga this season, leaving him behind only Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, but there has been support from the surrounding talent, despite being without Gareth Bale due to an ankle injury.

Zidane has given license to his midfield players to raid forward, trusting the younger players in his side to take responsibility. Marco Asensio has led the charge and appears to be the next world-class midfielder to emerge from the country, with his control of the game and an eye for a spectacular goal such as his effort in the Copa del Rey win over Sevilla. His development is crucial for the future given that Ronaldo and Luka Modric are on the wrong side of 30.

What a run and goal from Real Madrid's Asensio v Sevilla in Copa Del Rey pic.twitter.com/ui9wvLDngw

— Elite Daily Football (@SuperBettingBro) January 12, 2017

Isco, Mateo Kovacic and Alvaro Morata have also become key contributors for the side, and their impact gives opposing defences another threat to cope with, freeing up space for Ronaldo to flourish, while also keeping the Portuguese fresh for the crunch time late in the campaign.

At the other end of the pitch, Zidane’s has also brought resilience to Real’s backline. The club have watched their city rivals Atletico boast the most formidable defence in La Liga since Diego Simeone’s arrival at the Vicente Calderon. Their defensive performances on the road have been impressive, although the Frenchman will not have been satisfied with their late collapse against Sevilla that cost them their unbeaten record with Keylor Navas struggling between the sticks.

Real had only conceded five goals away from the Bernabeu until their loss at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, and with Sevilla along with Barcelona in striking distance of them at the top of table, Zidane will be demanding an improvement on their already high standards of play.

The Frenchman has been outstanding thus far into his reign, but one of the most pleasing aspects for Madrid fans is his view for the future not just until the end of the current campaign, but into the seasons beyond. With Zidane in place Real could be set to keep the La Liga crown away from Barcelona’s hand for the seasons to come.