Top of The Tree : 25 December 2023

The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name!

Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Kung_Fu_Zizou

In the Christmas Edition we handout some flowers to some of the biggest influences of 2023

Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior has had to pick up more responsibilities with each passing season and last season he was tasked with leading the attack as Karim’s influence was diminished by lack of form and continuity.

While he has been injured twice this season, a fit Vinicius Junior makes Real Madrid one of the most potent attacks in the game with his ability to make something out of nothing.

His numbers in the champions league continue to speak volumes.

Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo came to the fore last season helping the team to the Copa del Rey trophy most notably and showing his ability to perform without Vini or Karim in the closing games of the season.

While he struggled for form in front of goal initially, he’s turned it around and routinely helped the team comfortably overcome opponents to top both the champions league group and La Liga

Anton Rudiger

Rudiger is a player who’s experience came to the fore when he shut out Erling Haaland at the Bernabeu.

He has since grown in confidence and played a large part in solidifying Real Madrid’s defence under difficult circumstances. He has played with Alaba, Nacho and Tchouameni and never looks out of place. One of the success stories of the season so far.

Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham is one of those players who comes around once in many generations. It would be easy to forget he has yet to win silverware with Real Madrid but he has put the team on his back like a veteran baller. His decision making and execution have been excellent. The quality he has displayed in terms of leadership, and tactical and technical ability on both sides of the ball. He makes his teammates better in both attack and defence.

He will have an opportunity to win his first bit of silverware with Real Madrid in the supercopa which could be the start of a trophy laden career at the Bernabeu.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Real Madrid after years of being accused of being too eager to rid themselves of older players have gone in the opposite direction and kept players way past their “sell-by date”.

The feelings are unrelenting when it comes to this topic. Real Madrid won the double in 2022. A memorable CL victory which will go down as the greatest CL run of all time. Real Madrid were underdogs from the Round of 16 all the way through the final and emerged victorious.

The idea here is that victory is vindication. Is victory vindication?

The Daily Poll

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