Mar 12, 2012

Best Real Madrid Squad Ever?

Former Spain international and current Real Madrid Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueño seems to think so.


According to a statement made to Marca, current club manager José Mourinho has done a remarkable job in assembling "the most complete team in the club's history."  And perhaps Mou has.

Butragueño had nothing but high praise for the Portuguese manager, stating, "He is a trainer who has demonstrated that he gets the best from his team, a coach who has won titles in four different countries. It's obvious that in a world as competitive as this one, he's a fabulous coach."

 
He elaborated further, "Just look at the situation of [Gonzalo] Higuaín, for example.  He is one of the best attackers in the world and he has hardly played in recent months.  [Karim] Benzema has returned to the team and has scored a lot."

Lastly, "We are talking about a very complete squad here.  Mourinho has so many options to form a team of the highest level."


There is no denying that Mourinho is a fantastic coach and has done phenomenal things, particularly for los Blancos.  Real Madrid currently holds a 10-point lead over runner's up – and current Liga champions – FC Barcelona.  Furthermore, with their most recent win over Betis this Saturday, Madrid has set a new record for consecutive away wins at 11.  Prior to the match, RM won 10 consecutive games between Jornadas 6 a 15, and again between Jornadas 17 a 26.  Mourinho's Real Madrid happens to be the first side in La Liga history to have two runs of 10 consecutive victories in one season.

Some "random" facts:
  • José Mourinho coached his 100th game with Real Madrid against Betis.  His stats now read 77 victories, 13 draws, and 10 defeats; team scoring 274 goals, conceding 81.
  • According to AS, Cristiano Ronaldo could very well be the first player in the history of the Liga to score 100 goals in less than 100 games, currently scoring 98 goals in 89 Liga matches.  Additionally, the Portuguese international has tallied at least one goal against each of the 19 Liga teams.  ¡Felicidades, crack!
  • The trio of Cristiano, Pipita, and Benzema has a tallied 62 goals, 13 less than entire Barcelona team put together.


So is Butragueño right?  Is this the best Real Madrid squad in history?  Personally, I'm teetering between the current squad and that of the Golden Era – i.e. the Galácticos Era, pre-Makélélé Chelsea departure – which showcased powerhouses Luís Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Raúl... just to name a few.  Both teams play(ed) such attractive football, two hours of absolute entertainment.  I simply cannot choose.  Simply, I love Real Madrid with all my heart... ¡por siempre, para siempre!

Thoughts?

written by Gail Hidalgo

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