5-A-Side: Real Madrid
Welcome to our blog series of Fantasy 5-A-Side, in which we take legendary clubs from the game of football and build a dream 5-a-side line-up of their past and present players. We pick them based on their achievements for the club in question and also their impact on the game as a whole, meaning their best work doesn’t necessarily have to have happened at the club we are talking about, but you’ll see what we mean as we go on. Similarly, we are picking these players in their prime, meaning players now in their 70s/80s aren’t rocking around the AstroTurf with their walking stick.
The next club in the series, are Real Madrid. One of the most successful football clubs in the world, with a rich history of talented players who have graced their iconic white shirt. It’s no easy task to select the best all-time 5 a side team, but after careful consideration, here’s my take on the greatest Real Madrid 5 a side team of all time.
As with everything we do, these are based on our personal opinion, so we are obviously more biased to the late 90s, 00s and 2010s which we have much more knowledge about, so please don’t be offended if we miss out a legend of the 1930s, as we simply don’t possess that knowledge. Despite that, if you have any comments to make on our selection, or want to tell us you selections for the squad, head over to Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) and tell us what you think.
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (c)
When it comes to Real Madrid’s all-time best goalkeeper, the choice is clear. Iker Casillas is not only one of the greatest goalkeepers in Real Madrid history but also in the history of football. Casillas spent most of his professional career at Real Madrid, making 725 appearances for the club and winning numerous titles, including five La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League titles.
Casillas was known for his quick reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and strong leadership skills, making him an ideal candidate for the goalkeeper position in our all-time Real Madrid five-a-side team.
Defence: Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is one of the most decorated and successful defenders in the history of Real Madrid. He joined the club in 2005 and went on to become a key player in their success over the years. Ramos has won numerous titles with Real Madrid, including four UEFA Champions League titles, five La Liga titles, and four FIFA Club World Cup titles.
Ramos is known for his tough tackling, aerial prowess, and leadership skills, making him the perfect choice for the defender position in our all-time Real Madrid five-a-side team. His ability to play as a centre-back or a right-back also makes him versatile and valuable in a five-a-side format.
Midfield: Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, and he enjoyed great success during his five-year spell at Real Madrid. Zidane won 1 Champions League title as a player, and a La Liga title during his time at Real Madrid, and he was instrumental in their success.
Zidane was known for his elegant style of play, technical ability, and vision, making him the ideal candidate for the midfield position in our all-time Real Madrid five-a-side team. His ability to control the game and make decisive passes makes him a valuable asset in a five-a-side format, where space is limited.
Further, Zidane is a hugely successful manager of Real Madrid in the 21st century, making him even more of a legend at the club, with 3 Champions League’s, 2 La Liga titles and plenty more during his time in charge at the Bernabéu.
Attack: Cristiano Ronaldo & Ferenc Puskás
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time and is arguably the greatest player to have ever played for Real Madrid. Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2009 and went on to become their all-time leading scorer, with 450 goals in 438 appearances. During his nine-year spell at Real Madrid, Ronaldo won four UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and three FIFA Club World Cup titles.
Ronaldo is known for his speed, dribbling ability, and finishing skills, making him the perfect choice for the forward position in our all-time Real Madrid five-a-side team. His ability to create and score goals in tight spaces makes him a valuable asset in a five-a-side format.
Ferenc Puskás is one of the greatest players in football history, and he is a legend at Real Madrid. He played for the club between 1958 and 1966, helping them win three European Cups and five La Liga titles. Puskás was known for his incredible goal-scoring ability, and he scored an astonishing 711 goals in 719 appearances for both club and country. In a 5-a-side game, Puskás’ finishing ability and clinical touch in front of goal would make him an invaluable member of our team.
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