Lucas Vazquez and four other Real Madrid players who have to fight for a first-team place next season

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  • Played 50 times last season: Vazquez.

    How do Real Madrid possibly improve on last season’s double-winning campaign?

    It’s hard to say, and given the strength and depth throughout their squad, it’s perhaps harsh on us to pick out five players who will face a battle for more first-team football next term.

    Nevertheless, we’ve put a list together five names who may have to convince Zinedine Zidane they deserve to be regular fixtures in the Whites ranks.

    While we have left the likes of James Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata out given intense speculation they will switch clubs this summer, what do you make of the players we have included?

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    DANILO

    The Brazilian star has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea and should Zinedine Zidane decide to keep the right-back at the Bernabeu, then surely this is his last chance to prove he can be a Whites regular.

    Since signing from Porto in 2015, the 25-year-old has been a bit-part player in each of the past two seasons and struggled to nail down a spot.

    He needs to only look at his fellow countryman – Marcelo – as a man in which he should try to emulate.

    VERDICT: The ex-Porto man is more than a handy squad player to have but surely he must crave more than that? He is said to be happy in Madrid and is unwilling to leave so next season is key for him.

    With both Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane suffering fitness issues last term, it’s his chance to shine.

    Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Danilo celebrates the team's win at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on June 4, 2017 after winning the UEFA Champions League football match final Juventus vs Real Madrid CF held at the National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff on June 3, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / CURTO DE LA TORRE (Photo credit should read CURTO DE LA TORRE/AFP/Getty Images)

    Just a back-up at the moment: Danilo

    LUCAS VAZQUEZ

    The 26-year-old finally came into his own in a Madrid shirt last term – making 50 appearances in all competitions – playing, in the process, a strong hand in Real’s La Liga triumph.

    Vazquez agreed a new contract at the Bernabeu last year and is clearly part of Zidane’s plans, but in a fiercely competitive attacking midfield area and with new signings expected, he needs to stay on top of his game.

    VERDICT: After two good seasons at Los Blancos, Vazquez will have to maintain a high level again next term with Gareth Bale returning to top form after injury.

    Real Madrid's midfielder Lucas Vazquez celebrates at the end of the Spanish league football match RC Deportivo vs Real Madrid CF at the Municipal de Riazor stadium in La Coruna on April 26, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL RIOPA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP/Getty Images)

    Can Vazquez step his level up again next season?

    MATEO KOVACIC

    The 23-year-old started just 19 matches in La Liga last term and played a minimal role in the club’s Champions League success, with Caesmiro – himself not a regular – preferred often in central midfield areas.

    He has been linked with a move to Manchester United but may get one more chance to prove his mettle for the Whites next term.

    Kovacic is clearly a talent but given Real have been linked with stars like Marco Verratti, his future could well be in doubt.

    It’ll be interesting to see whether the Croatian opts for more football or sticks it out and fights for his place. Either way, Kovacic needs to get back to the level he reached during his final season at the San Siro.

    VERDICT: It’s going to be a huge few weeks ahead for Kovacic, and with Los Blancos’ big summer tour of the United States on the horizon, it’s a time where he needs to impress.

    MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Mateo Kovacic of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring Real's 1st during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad de Futbol at the Bernabeu on January 29, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

    Kovacic has been linked with a Premier League move.

    NACHO

    The Madrid-born defender is living the dream at his boyhood club and last season made 39 appearances in all competitions – the most he has appeared during a single campaign.

    While he has grown in stature every season since making his debut back in 2011, the 27-year-old needs to make a defensive spot his own in the Real line-up. Can he do it next season?

    With Theo Hernandez incoming at full-back, the Spain international will have more of a fight on his hands to play.

    His future is guaranteed at the Bernabeu at least, but does he want to take his game to the next level?

    VERDICT: Madristas like having one of their own in the ranks and Nacho fits the bill, so whenever he is called upon, the crowd get behind him. He just needs more games and greater consistency next term.

    Real Madrid's defender Nacho Fernandez (L) celebrates a goal during the Spanish league football match Real Madrid CF vs Sevilla FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 14, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / CESAR MANSO (Photo credit should read CESAR MANSO/AFP/Getty Images)

    Home-grown talent: Nacho Fernandez.

    RAPHAEL VARANE

    Yes, indeed, a surprising name on this list given how important (when fit) he is to Real in defence – but that’s the problem – issues over his fitness.

    While he hasn’t got a point to prove as such over his ability, the 24-year-old struggled with injury last season and Zidane must have worries over his consistency.

    VERDICT: Varane needs a strong pre-season under his belt to convince Zidane he is able to partner Sergio Ramos in central defence next season.

    Real Madrid's French defender Raphael Varane lifts the trophy after Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League final football match between Juventus and Real Madrid at The Principality Stadium in Cardiff, south Wales, on June 3, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)

    Key man in Champions League final: Varane.

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