Real Madrid January Transfer Window

Real Madrid have not seen much rotation since Zinedine Zidane took the reigns from Rafa Benitez. The team has obviously been playing much more fluidly and look more of a threat when on the counter and when in possession. Zidane has found away to maximize Bale, Benzema, and Ronaldo much in thanks to the experience of being Carlo Ancelloti's assistant during the 2013-2014 season. However, Zidane had the perfect opportunity to add some much needed depth to his already strong strong specifically in the form of another left-back and a defensive midfielder.

With Fabio Coentrao out on loan at Monaco, Marcelo is the club's sole traditional left-back. Occasionally we have seen Nacho Fernandez, Alvaro Arbeloa and Danilo being slotted in to replace Marcelo. While these have proven to be ok, they do not provide the attacking width that Marcelo brings which also allows for the space left by Ronaldo to be filled. Marcelo has played 1,650 minutes for the team which is fourth highest behind the three members of Madrid's "BBC" attacking trident. Marcelo at this point of the season might be looking for a little rest in order to be fresh for the upcoming knockout round of the Champions League.

There have been rumours of numerous left-backs being linked to the club most notably Ricardo Rodriguez of Vfl Wolfsburg and David Alaba of Bayern Munich. These fit the "Glacticos" brand that club president Florentino Perez wishes for. However, both of these players will not come cheap. As reported by Bleacher Report, both of these players will come with a hefty transfer fee that Madrid may not be willing to pay especially in the January transfer window.

There are cheaper options available out in the transfer market. One name that has been on Los Merengues' radar was Alberto Moreno but now since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp, his role with Liverpool has increased. One interesting pick up would be Jose Gaya of Valencia. He has not been able to recreate the form of the season prior and it is surprising how Real Madrid have not tried to scoop up the youngster even with his pretty hefty buyout clause.

Whoever it may have been, Madrid were in need of some depth in the left-back position. With Marcelo the only option, Madrid are hoping that no injuries come his way, as there is not viable option after the Brazilian either with the first team or the Castilla team.

With the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, Madrid have been linked with numerous defensive midfielders. The most surprising of the reports was Rodrigo Bentancur by Bleacher Report. This alleged deal brings some reminders of the Lucas Silva deal that occurred last January, who is now on loan to Real Betis after having is loan spell at French club Marseille cut short due to a lack of playing time.

Do Real Madrid need a defensive midfielder? The answer is no. With Modric filling the hole left by Xabi Alonso, it seems as it Madrid have found their replacement, at least until the end of the season. Both Kroos and Casemiro can also fill that position but for the latter, who has found it difficult to find playing time, it seems more of a longshot. Nevertheless, Real Madrid have numerous viable options in this position if Modric is injured or needs rest.

The season is only reached its half-way mark but Madrid seem to have already lost the La Liga title chase and the Copa Del Rey, the latter due to disqualification. It will be an interesting few months in the city of Madrid to see what the future holds for many of the current players including the newly minted manager Zidane. If Perez is serious about contending for titles year in and year out, the Glacticos policy that he implements needs to be discarded the Zidane must have full control over transfers. Already gaining comparisons to Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola, fans of the Madrid outlet are hoping for similar success in a city whose team has garnered much promise, but has not been able to fully deliver on a consistent basis.