Real Madrid: 5 players to watch on Celta Vigo for Matchday 24

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VIGO, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 09: Jeison Murillo of Celta de Vigo looks on during the Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Sevilla FC at Abanca-Balaidos on February 09, 2020 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

CB Jeison Murillo

The 27-year-old center back, who can also play at right back, joined Celta this winter from Serie A club Sampdoria, who purchased Murillo from Valencia. Murillo has also spent time with top clubs Inter Milan and FC Barcelona in the past, making him a well-traveled defender.

He’s already taken well to Celta, becoming their best defender – and it’s really not that close – as an immediate difference-maker. Murillo has recorded 11 tackles and four interceptions in four starts since joining Celta, and if he keeps it up, the experienced defender will surely be purchased permanently by his new club.

AM Santi Mina

The 24-year-old was a standout for Valencia in the Europa League last year and returned to Celta this summer as part of a deal to send Maxi Gomez to the La Liga powerhouse. Santi Mina has not played the full 90 minutes in a single league game since the Dec. 8 loss to Leganes, and he’s featured in just 10 minutes in his last two appearances combined – including a mere eight-minute cameo against former employers Valencia.

Despite only playing 1,247 minutes, Mina is the only player on Celta with multiple goals and assists this season. Aspas, for example, has eight goals but only one assist.

So Mina could be a player to watch for the off the bench. He has the explosiveness and quality in the final third to make an impact against Real Madrid, even if he has been inconsistent.

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