Real Madrid's Champions League exit earlier this week sent shockwaves through the team, not just because they look set to suffer a trophyless season, but because the knockout blow came at the hands (or, rather, foot) of former player Alvaro Morata. The Madrid-born youngster was clearly conflicted by his goal, stating "it was a bittersweet and strange sensation for me; I wish I had scored against another team". Every football fan knows of Real's pedigree. They are one of the most successful, decorated clubs in footballing history, and notched their tenth European crown - grandiosely nicknamed 'La Decima' - last season. They constantly attract the biggest names in world football, their history including such monumental figures as Alfredo di Stefano, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and both globe-conquering Ronaldos. Despite this, Los Blancos do have a tendency to let incredibly skilled players slip through their fingers. Many figures have been sold, released, or otherwise forced out of the club for a variety of reasons - men who could have successfully chartered Real through some of their highly-publicised rocky periods. In honour of Morata's earth-shattering goal against his former employers, here are the ten most influential players Real Madrid should have done their utmost to keep ahold of.
