RW Rodrygo
Gareth Bale was clearly rusty when he made a somewhat surprising return to the starting XI against Osasuna, and even though the rust has to be accounted for, it’s becoming harder to justify giving the Wales international minutes. He’s looked poor over the past few months, whereas he showed real promise in August and September.
Rodrygo Goes’ starting place is in question despite a promising Fall, as Zinedine Zidane’s favorite Lucas Vazquez is back to health and earning the respect of the fan base with some strong performances.
Still, Rodrygo and Hazard seemed to work well together on opposite flanks. Hazard took control of games on the ball, giving Rodrygo time and space on the right to go for goals or put the ball in the box. He’s an incredible crosser who gets underrated in this regard. Real Madrid need quality in the final third, and Rodrygo provides more of it than Bale and Vazquez. Perhaps he can be a part of a dynamic trio up front with Hazard and Benzema in March.
CAM Isco
It’s been an up and down season for Isco. He’s had some wonderful performances this year, such as against PSG with Hazard in the lineup or against Osasuna this Sunday as the main attacking threat, but he’s also had strings of games where he’s been anonymous.
But it’s important to focus on Isco’s best performances, since we know the high levels he’s capable of reaching. Isco works best in games where he’s either able to find space or work intricately with another attacking player to thread plays together. Since Benzema needs to be the main goal threat, this interplay needs to happen with someone else, preferably a quicker forward. Eden Hazard fits the bill.
Hazard and Isco worked well together against PSG, and given how well Isco played against Osasuna, it’s clear he’s ready to hit the peak of his powers. A resurgent Isco creating one-twos with a healthy Hazard could be any team’s nightmare in La Liga or the Champions League..