Real Madrid’s legendary player and manager Zinedine Zidane has revealed the three players who impressed him the most during his time as manager at Los Blancos.
When asked to name the players who impressed him the most during his tenure as Real Madrid manager, Zidane pointed to Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema, emphasizing their crucial roles in the team’s success.
Having managed the club between 2016 and 2018, and then returning in 2019, Zidane recognized the talent and dedication of these three players and how they contributed to the numerous trophies he won with Madrid.
For Zidane, watching Kroos, Modric, and Benzema dominate the game and control the ball with precision was a true testament to the beautiful game of football.
In an interview with Madrid Xtra, Zidane said: “Players who impressed me the most as a coach? When you see Kroos, Modrić, and Benzema playing for you for an hour without losing a single ball, that is football.”
Benzema departed Real Madrid on June 6, 2023, after winning 25 trophies with the club, including four La Liga, three Copa del Rey, and five UEFA Champions League titles.
He is the team’s second-highest goalscorer of all time and top assist provider, with over 500 career goals for club and country.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner is currently playing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Professional League.
On the other hand, Kroos announced his retirement from professional football following Madrid’s victory in the Champions League final against Dortmund.
In his time at Real Madrid, Kroos played 465 matches, scoring 28 goals, and providing 99 assists.
With 34 titles won including five Champions League titles and four La Liga titles, Kroos is the most successful German football player.
Out of the three players, only Luka Modric remains at Real Madrid after signing a one-year contract extension until 2025.
In his 13 seasons at the club, he has played 530 matches and scored 38 goals.
With Real Madrid’s recent triumph over Dortmund in the Champions League final, Modric now boasts six UCL trophies to his name, adding to his impressive collection of trophies.
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner also secured four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and four Club World Cups during his time at Real Madrid.
Zinedine Zidane’s achievements at Real Madrid
Zinedine Zidane achieved great success during his time at Real Madrid, winning the UEFA Champions League, La Liga title, and Intercontinental Cup. He also received the Ballon d’Or award in 2003 for his exceptional performances.
After retiring as a player, Zidane transitioned to a successful managerial career at Real Madrid.
He achieved several major accomplishments, including guiding the team to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018, making him the first manager to accomplish such a feat in the modern era of the competition.
Zidane also won the La Liga title with Real Madrid in the 2016-2017 and 2019-2020 seasons.
Additionally, he led Real Madrid to victory in the Club World Cup in 2016, 2017, and 2018, further cementing his reputation as one of the most successful managers in global football.
