The Real Champs
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Real Madrid: 5 key players against Galatasaray

By Kevin Parvizi

MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 5: Fede Valverde of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid v Granada at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 5, 2019 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 5: Fede Valverde of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid v Granada at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 5, 2019 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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MALLORCA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 19: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF with the ball during the Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at Iberostar Estadi on October 19, 2019 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
MALLORCA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 19: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF with the ball during the Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at Iberostar Estadi on October 19, 2019 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Vinicius Junior

It’s unclear if Vinicius Junior will play on the left or right side or even start at all, but he’s the favorite to be in the lineup due to injuries to Gareth Bale and Lucas Vazquez. Vinicius drew the ire of fans for blowing a few ill-advised longshots well over the bar on Saturday, but the real criticism should have been pointed at a scheme that prevented Real from generating high-quality chances beyond a few teasing balls from James Rodriguez.

As a whole, Vinicius played well on Saturday and was a step above his teammates in attack. Without Vinicius, Real looked lifeless, as he was the only player carrying the ball into the attacking third and looking to make something happen in possession. That’s more than can be said for the likes of Isco and Karim Benzema, who were quite poor.

Vinicius is better on the left side than on the right side, so with Eden Hazard returning, that is a storyline to watch. Both men should be able to cross flanks, and Vinicius isn’t exactly poor on the right side either. Earlier this season against Levante, he showed an ability and a willingness to cross from the right side when switching flanks with Vazquez.

If anyone can be the “X-Factor” for the Men in White on Tuesday, then Vinicius is someone worth highlighting. His technique and focus will need to be sharp.

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