Five Real Madrid players and the gift they would want from Santa Claus

By Sachin Bhat | Dec 25, 2018

MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 15: Karim Benzema (C) of Real Madrid celebrates with team mates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 15, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images) /

3 of 5

#3 Mariano – Greener pastures

MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 19: Mariano Diaz of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Group G match of the UEFA Champions League between Real Madrid and AS Roma at Bernabeu on September 19, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images) /

Real Madrid brought back Mariano as a back-up option in an admittedly thin vanguard after Ronaldo’s departure. The 25-year old, who starred in his bit part role in 2016/17 season, was touted to add an extra edge to the attack, but he hasn’t enjoyed much time on the field so far.

The Dominican Republic star has featured for only 203 minutes in the league and accrued a solitary strike this season in all competitions – and that was way back in mid-September on his homecoming. Clearly, he hasn’t pulled up any trees in his substitute role, but the counter-argument is to start him over Benzema on more occasions.

Proper and consistent gametime might help him find his feet again.

Home/Editorials