Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Real Valladolid

Real Madrid will face Real Valladolid on Sunday, and here are five players on Los Blancos who will need to be at their best in order to secure another three points.

The title race between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona continues to thrill La Liga fans, as both powerhouse clubs remain tied on points heading into Matchweek 21. Barca benefited from a late red card to survive a scare against Granada in Quique Setien’s first game as manager, as La Blaugrana returned to their heavy-passing and ball-control style of play.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid picked up three points by taking down Sevilla 2-1 behind a pair of goals from defensive midfielder Casemiro. Real will want to be even more convincing this weekend against Real Valladolid, as this is a road game where Zinedine Zidane will need to pick up the full three points.

Here are five players who must shine for Los Merengues in order to make sure they keep the pace with Barcelona in the league table.

CAM Isco

James Rodriguez started against Unionistas de Salamanca in a 3-1 win in the Copa del Rey to mark his return to the lineup. The Colombian No. 10 played decently enough against light competition, but he’ll likely cede the starting attacking midfield role to Isco on Sunday.

Isco has enjoyed a bounce-back season under Zidane, who favors the Spain international. Per WhoScored.com, he is completing 87.5% of his passes and winning 1.2 dribbles per game, though he still hasn’t registered a goal or an assist in La Liga.

Perhaps Isco will get off the mark on Sunday and show more consistency and end product to his game. It’s the “end product” column where James holds an advantage.