Real Madrid Player of the Season 2023-24 power rankings: Jude Bellingham holds off Vinicius Jr and Toni Kroos after memorable debut campaign

Why did he sign a new contract? Ceballos has barely had a kick this season, only given opportunities in the dead-rubber contests after Madrid secured the title, and he’s looked off the pace in those fixtures. He’d probably be better off somewhere else come the start of 2024-25.

What can really be said about Kepa? He was supposed to be the replacement for the injured Thibaut Courtois. However, the occasional shaky moment saw him lose his starting spot mid-season. A failed loan move – at best.

Militao has done well just to be back on the pitch before the end of the campaign. given he lasted just 49 minutes of Madrid’s season opener before rupturing his ACL. Since returning he has looked well off the pace, which is what you’d expect. Fitness for the Copa America is likely his priority at this point.

He’s a fan favourite, but Nacho isn’t always reliable. The centre-back is solid at best, and rash at his worst. For all of his composure on the ball, he does have the odd silly moment at the back. Two sending-offs this season have rather blemished his record, and hurt Madrid’s already beleaguered defence.

As Garcia has discovered, there is a real difference between playing for mid-table Rayo Vallecano and title-chasing Madrid. The full-back has been excellent going forward at times, but the other areas of his game are lacking. He’s a solid back-up, though, and good value on the cheap.

Courtois recovered remarkably quickly from the ACL injury he suffered on the eve of the season, but picked up another knock before he could properly return to the fold. He’s back now, though, and making some impressive saves like his old self. Has he done enough to start the Champions League final, though?

Vazquez hasn’t exactly been spectacular, but he has certainly provided some important moments in a reserve role. Bellingham even dubbed him a “f*cking legend” for his contributions in the Clasico win of late April.

An injury-plagued start to the campaign has given way to an impressive month for ‘the Turkish Messi’. He may not be a fixture in the big games, but he has certainly impressed when given a chance, and with six goals in 440 minutes of action, there’s a real argument for him to see the pitch more regularly next season.

Ancelotti insisted that Lunin had the club’s full faith following Courtois’ injury, and though Kepa was originally brought in to stat, the Ukraine goalkeeper has since usurped the Chelsea loanee. There have been a few mistakes, including two blunders against Atletico Madrid, but he has been a more-than-agreeable stand-in. The fact that Courtois could now start the Champions League final seems harsh.

It seemed after Mendy struggled for form and fitness last season, and Garcia was signed, that the French left-back’s time as a Madrid starter was coming to an end. But that hasn’t been the case. Mendy has reasserted himself as an elite defensive full-back, while his understanding with Vinicius has been vital going forward.

Modric has been little more than a bit-part player for Los Blancos this year, only starting the games that don’t really matter. He will always be a pleasure to watch, but there remains a prevailing sense that his best days are gone.

What a confusing footballer! Joselu isn’t technically excellent, nor is he an elite finisher, but he always delivers when it counts. And who cares if he misses loads, his dramatic brace against Bayern Munich to send Los Blancos to the Champions League final made them all worth it.

Tchouameni hasn’t been able to settle in one position this season. Initially a standout at his preferred No.6 slot, he has bounced around, and has been forced to stand in as a centre-back on occasion. A couple of knocks have impacted an otherwise impressive sophomore campaign.

Camavinga can do it all, and finally this season, Ancelotti allowed the Frenchman to operate from his preferred central midfield position. Madrid have reaped the rewards, with Camavinga becoming a fine box-to-box presence.

Rodrygo has made it clear that he doesn’t like playing as a right-sided forward on a number of occasions, but his stats would suggest otherwise. The Brazilian has 26 goal contributions in all competitions, and has managed to stay fit in a campaign where Los Blancos have struggled with a number of knocks all over the pitch.

He could certainly do with being more consistent – he disappears from games too often – but the Brazilian has been vital this year.

Who knew that quitting gluten could be so impactful? Carvajal changed his diet this off-season, and it’s certainly showed. He looked old last campaign, but this season he could be seen scampering up and down the right side like a younger version of himself.

A couple of knocks notwithstanding, the right-back has rediscovered his best this year.

Valverde is good enough to get into this side based on his running power and ability to cover ground alone. The uruguay international embraced a deeper role this season with aplomb, and has become a perfect versatile midfielder. An unsung hero of one of the continent’s best teams.

First he stepped in for Vinicius. Then, he filled the void left by Bellingham. And after three years away, Brahim looks a perfect fit in the bright lights of Madrid. There are very few better back-up attacking players in top-level football at the moment.

He wasn’t supposed to play much this year, but Militao’s injury forced Rudiger into action. Fortunately for Madrid, there’s been little to no drop-off. Rudiger played Erling Haaland-killer in the Champions League quarter-final win over Manchester City, and seems a lock to start in the final. One of the best in Europe in 2023-24.

Kroos has enjoyed an interesting 12 months. He’s been magical for Ancelotti’s side this season, pinging the ball around with glee and assisting at a rate he hasn’t reached in years. His form could be key as Germany look to achieve glory at Euro 2024, though that will unfortunately be the final time we get to see him in action after his shock retirement announcement.

It took Vinicius a while to get going thi season, with form and injuries impacting the first half of his campaign. But once he found his groove, the Brazilian has been brilliant as ever. A devastating dribbler, who has scored goals in bunches, he is the key to Madrid’s European dreams.

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Bellingham has been Madrid’s best player this season, and although he won’t score 40 goals, he has still redefined the way Ancelotti’s team play. Twenty-three goals, 12 assists and a number of season-saving moments… not a bad way to start what should be an illustrious career in Spain.