Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Mallorca
![Federico Valverde of Real Madrid (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Federico Valverde of Real Madrid (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ce636b836ff2bd308c71c83c7e1d72f62f60d1ea061a517d81b9fa5ff986457f.jpg)
Real Madrid need these men to step up against Mallorca on Wednesday.
On Wednesday night at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, Real Madrid will have a chance to entrench themselves at the top of La Liga by defeating Mallorca. While their opponents are in the relegation battle and have been at the bottom of the table for months, they did upset Madrid back in October.
Los Blancos cannot let their guards down, as Mallorca have the young talent, such as Real Madrid loanee Takefusa Kubo, to do some damage. Here are five players on the Whites who must play at a high level to ensure victory.
CB Eder Militao
Real Madrid will likely start Eder Militao at center back alongside Raphael Varane, as Sergio Ramos picked up a knock on Sunday against Real Sociedad. Ramos’ injury isn’t serious, but Real would do wise to exercise caution with the all-important captain’s knee.
Militao has shown that he can shut down opposing attacks next to Varane, as the two already have great chemistry together. Zinedine Zidane has reportedly shown interest in Dayot Upamecano, but, make no mistake, Militao is a key part of the future for Real Madrid and is a future star center back in his own right.
A better performance against Mallorca the second time around would do wonders for Militao, as he was one of the few bright spots in that earlier loss with three tackles, four interceptions, and seven aerial duels won, per WhoScored.com.