Real Madrid: 4 takeaways from official squad at Valladolid

Real Madrid will face Real Valladolid on Matchweek 21, and they have a chance to top the league table after FC Barcelona faltered 2-0 against Valencia.

Los Blancos picked up all three points last weekend by defeating Sevilla 2-1 in what was a cagey affair, as Casemiro proved the difference with his brace. Vinicius Junior made a huge impact as a substitute, but the Real Madrid youngster won’t be in the 19-man squad for this weekend’s game against Real Valladolid.

Zinedine Zidane‘s side is fully expected to come up with all three points, and anything other than a thoroughly professional display will be a disappointment to the fans. Still, away games against any La Liga side can be tricky, as Madrid fans undoubtedly remember the club’s last lost came to lowly RCD Mallorca on the road in October.

Here are four takeaways from Real Madrid’s official squad for Sunday’s matchup. The announced squad can be viewed on Los Blancos’ official Twitter account.

1. Sergio Ramos is back

Sergio Ramos suffered an ankle injury in the Spanish Supercup final against Atletico Madrid a couple of weeks ago, and despite returning to practice before last week’s win over Sevilla, he was unable to play against his former team.

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But Ramos is healthy and in the squad this weekend, so he’ll likely draw the start over Eder Militao, unless if Zidane wants to be extra cautious with his captain. Expect Ramos to have an easy game. Valladolid’s attack is quite weak, as only Enes Unal should conceivably cause Los Blancos elite back four any sort of problems.

2. Loaded in midfield

Real Madrid will be carrying six midfielders in the squad for this weekend’s game against Real Valladolid. James Rodriguez, Isco, Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Fede Valverde, and Luka Modric will all be in the squad.

Los Blancos used a midfield-heavy approach in the Spanish Supercup to good effect, including a dominant 3-0 win over Valencia in the semifinals with a heavy ball-control approach.

Perhaps they could use the same blueprint against Valladolid on the road this Sunday.

James is the most interesting name on this list. He hasn’t played a La Liga match in months after struggling with fitness, but he played pretty well in mid-week against Unionistas de Salamanca.

3. Nacho likely at right back

Zidane could throw a curveball and start Eder Militao or Lucas Vazquez at right back, but it looks like Nacho Fernandez is going to start on the right side of the defense with Dani Carvajal out due to a suspension. (Carvajal picked up a fifth yellow card in last week’s win over Sevilla.)

Nacho has played well this season at left back, showing solid defensive work and decent enough passing. He doesn’t have the athleticism to make much of an impact going forward, but his crossing is fine and he’s a threat in the air.

Real loaned Alvaro Odriozola to Bayern Munich knowing full well that Carvajal wouldn’t be available against Valladolid, so they have confidence in their gameplan at right back. And nobody should blame them with the way their defense usually plays.

4. Vazquez in but no Brahim or Vinicius

Chalk this one as frustrating. For as brilliant as Zidane is tactically, it’s quite alarming to see how infatuated he is with Lucas Vazquez to the detriment of far more talented young players.

Vinicius Junior was the best player on the pitch in Real Madrid’s much-improved second half against Sevilla last week, yet he won’t be in the squad against Real Valladolid. And Brahim Diaz was by far the best player against Unionistas de Salamanca in a closer-than-expected Copa del Rey opener, yet he’s also been left on the bench by Zidane.

dark. Next. Brahim deserves more playing time for Real

Instead, Vazquez will draw another start. He’s been poor all season long, and while he had an assist for Casemiro last week against Sevilla, he was atrocious for most of the 90 minutes. It is disappointing to see him in the squad as one of the only four forwards selected.

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