The return of Real Madrid’s unsung hero, Lucas Vazquez
By Ben Sundock
After a freak injury just a few months ago, forward Lucas Vazquez is back in Zinedine Zidane’s squad and the Spaniard is once again quietly delivering in a big way for Real Madrid.
There is a bond between Vazquez and Zidane that I think many of us fans will never truly understand. Since the Frenchmen took over the first team, the two have been attached at the hip and despite at times being doubted by the Santiago Bernabéu crowd, Zizou has never lost faith in the 28-year-old.
Despite his many years of service in the Spanish capital – 13 to be exact – he is not considered to be a big star, rather, he is a utility player who has made a name for himself coming on as a substitute or a first-choice back-up.
On Saturday against Atletico, Vazquez was pulled on at the start of the second half along with Vinicius Junior as Zidane altered his formation from a 4-5-1 to more of a typical 4-3-3.
If it wasn’t for this change, Real Madrid could have slumped to another 0-0 draw with Simeone’s men or worse, a defeat. But the 45 minute showing from Vazquez was one to remember as the number 17 injected life into the squad and once again proved his worth.
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Since returning from injury, Lucas has been clinical in three La Liga appearances and one appearance in the Copa del Rey where he bagged a goal. This, once again, could cause a headache for the manager as he has so many options to choose from on that right forward wing.
Brahim Diaz is picking up steam, Rodrygo Goes has been consistent all year, and Gareth Bale’s pace plus crossing ability cannot be ruled out despite recent rumors he has been asking for a transfer.
One of the attributes I like most when watching Lucas Vazquez run down the flank is his awareness of situations developing. He always seems to have an eye on an open teammate and has shown that he can cut in on his left foot and dribble at a defender with impressive speed.
He also has a great understanding of the game-plan. He knows that it is not his job to be shooting the ball three or four times a match. If he is close enough to goal, he will have a crack. If not, he does a great job not forcing anything or making a mistake.
That is one of the many reasons why Zidane has relied on him so heavily and will continue to do so as the season progresses.
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Don’t be surprised to see Lucas more than Bale the next several weeks because of the form Vazquez is in and the lack of form shown from the Welsh international who is also coming off of a short injury layoff.
The good news for Real Madrid and Zidane is that the team is rather healthy and the players are clicking on every level at the same time.