Raul, I know we have been over this several times.
Sorry, but I have to agree with Marios. You cant say that Makelele is not as good as the players you stated above, it is like comparing apples and oranges.
Makelele has been the best in his position the last 3 seasons. You cant say that Raul, Ronaldo have been the best in their positions because they were over throned by strikers like eto'o, henry, scheva. Same applies to Zidane beeing over throned by Ronaldinho.

Furthermore the players you have mentioned didnt get a single trophy during that period, while Makelele has been crowned EPL champion twice.
Would Real win a trophy during that same period if Makelele stayed? Nobody knows it for sure.
But ask anywhere, why Real didnt win anything the last seasons. The answer will likely be, because they let go of Makelele.

Japanese commentators just love the following phrase when Chelsea is playing: "What an outstanding player! Since he left Madrid, Real didnt win anything". Maybe I am brainwashed

Hahahaha! So true

are you serious?

have you not heard of sergio ramos? he's a great defender and will get even better in the future. we also have woodgate and helguera who are both pretty good defenders.

So basically you're saying that ALL your defence was missing was Cannavaro?

Ramos is a great talent and i hope he helps Real, but for now he's not a world-class player. Woodgate is often embarrassing and wants to move back to England and Capello doesn't seem to want him. Helguera has been with the club for ages and that counts, but really who says him when they think "one of the best defenders around"?

Face it, you need reinforcement at the back.

Real's line up will probably look like this a the back:

--------------- Casillas --------------------


Cicinho ------- Canavarro -------- S. Ramos ------------ R. Carlos


--------------- Emerson -------------- Diarra ---------------------

A back up for aging R. Carlos is needed. Ashley Cole would be a nice madrid target.

Cicinho won't be the right back starter but Michel Salgado.

What a waste!

Cassano starting while Robinho on the bench If Capello is going with this tactic, we dont have to worry after all.

I wouldnt be too cocky after one result!!!

I watched Real's game and i'd say it's obvious they need a playmaker. If i was Real's president i'd do anything i could to sign Kaka or at least someone like Riquelme, Pirlo or even Totti (who has 2-3 more years left in him and could help until a younger option was found).

Real's defence was OK tonight, but i really think you need to rethink your fullback options, especialy on the left side. I can't believe you haven't bought a good replacement for Carlos yet.

The match was toooooo boring!

Maybe it is time to change a club. You are welcomed at Barcelona

Marios, I think kaka, pirlo and riquelme are going nowhere. And totti cant be reliable.

Changing club is something for you, Afrinux

It seems Capello doesn't share your high opinion of Helguera and is prepared to offer him to Valancia (plus money) in exchange for 33-year-old Ayala.

It would be the deal of the year for Real Madrid.

The deal of the year for Real is the juventus pair: cannavaro and emerson. Ayala would be a huge boost tho, all old ( cannavaro, emerson, ayala, r carlos ). Who ronnie, deco, eto'o and messi will bully when they peak? Lets say in 4 - 5 years.
Real should buy youngsters.

Why do you always talk about Barcelona?? This is about Diarra!!!

Afrinux, you're having a bad behaviour

LOL, my bad!
I thought that every signing, that Madrid is doing, is for stopping barcelona.
Sorry Raul to annoy you with Barca, Barca, ... If Real becomes champion, I will keep my mouth shut.
But that aint happening, not in the next 5 years

LOL, don't worry, you're not annoying me! But you'll listen me the next time Barcelona loses a match!

Diarra has scored his first goal which turns out to be vital.
I havent seen him play yet, how good is he?

He's a destroyer That's what he does, destroy destroy and destroy. It's the clean & black version of Gravesen.