Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Getafe

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MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 22: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Ferland Mendy of Real Madrid CF controls the ball during the Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club Bilbao at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 22, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

LB Ferland Mendy

Getafe are at their strongest on the right side of their formation. Right back Damian Suarez has three assists and has been stout defensively. He also leads the team with 2.1 fouls drawn per game, which is an excellent number for a right back. Meanwhile, right midfielder Jason is the star man. Jason leads Getafe with four assists and has the most dribbles per game and key passes per game on the team.

That means Ferland Mendy will be tasked with shutting down Getafe’s best player and dealing with an astute two-way right back in Suarez. With Marcelo due back from his calf injury when Real Madrid face Valencia in the Supercup semifinal, this is Mendy’s chance to shine. He has been great this season against tough opponents, including Lucas Ocampos in September when Los Blancos defeated Sevilla.

LW Vinicius Junior

There’s no guarantee Vinicius Junior draws the start on Saturday, but it would be a surprise if the best possible left forward with Eden Hazard out didn’t play. Vinicius’ work as a ball-carrier will be critical against Suarez and the compact Getafe defense, and he’ll also be tasked with helping Mendy defensively. Since Vini is one of La Liga’s best defensive wingers, that should be a positive for Zinedine Zidane.

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The 19-year-old consistently gets criticized for his finishing and hasn’t scored since his wondergoal against Osasuna in September. However, Vinicius has shown his quality this season and is coming off a great game against Athletic Bilbao in which he won four dribbles. He’ll have to be at his best against Getafe in order for Real to pick up three points.

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