Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Espanyol

LW Vinicius Junior

There’s no guarantee that Vinicius Junior will start on Saturday, because Zinedine Zidane opted to play Isco out wide again last Saturday instead of starting Vinicius in an injured Eden Hazard’s place. Isco shined on the left after having a big performance against PSG on the right side, so there’s a good chance Zidane goes with his favorite playmaker in the starting lineup.

Vinicius has been the subject of so many rumors, but I’ll tell you three things that are important. Firstly, he’s not getting loaned anywhere. That’s stupid. Secondly, Real aren’t going to make him a part of any transfer deal with the POSSIBLE exception of Kylian Mbappe. Thirdly, Real Madrid value Vinicius Junior and understand he has the potential to be a top 10 player in world football one day.

Therefore, Vinicius will get his opportunities, even if they have waned recently. Remember, Zidane’s had to find ways to get Gareth Bale, Isco, and Rodrygo involved. The first two of those players are established La Liga veterans who need consistent minutes, especially since Real want to show other clubs around Europe that Bale and Isco do indeed have high value.

But so does Vinicius. Everyone knows it. Even if he doesn’t start, this match against Espanyol is a perfect opportunity for the 19-year-old to have another spellbinding performance as a substitute. The injury to Bale makes it more likely we’ll see him supply a spark off the bench.