Real Madrid: 5 players who are poised for a big February 2020

CB Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane has been arguably the best center back in the world over the past month. The France captain has scored three goals across all competitions this season, and all three of those goals have occurred in the past two months.

It’s easy to overlook Varane, since he doesn’t record as many tackles or interceptions as teammate Sergio Ramos; that’s not his role. With Madrid, his job is to stay back, clean up danger, and calmly hold possession for the club until it’s able to start a counterattack or fully relieve any mounting pressure.

Varane is the best in the world at doing those things. His ability to read the game is right up there with the best of them, and few players are as good at getting rid of danger. Hopefully, more fans around the world start talking about Varane in February.

LW Vinicius Junior

Although Eden Hazard’s return means that Vinicius Junior will get even fewer starting opportunities, the 19-year-old has set himself up for a strong month of February. Vinicius closed January in incredible form. First, he was unplayable in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 against Real Zaragoza, scoring a great goal and confidently taking the fight to an overmatched defense.

Then, Vinicius changed the game for Zinedine Zidane and Los Blancos against Atletico Madrid, setting up Karim Benzema‘s decisive goal. Vini was clearly Real’s best attacker after joining the match.

Going forward, Brazil’s future superstar will be an X-Factor for Madrid. Perhaps Zidane will experiment with him on the right or Hazard on the right, but it’s more likely Vini ends up being an X-Factor off the bench and a star in the Copa del Rey. Real Sociedad await in the competition’s quarterfinals, and they had better watch out for the threat Vinicius poses.