Real Madrid: 5 players who need to shine in July

CM Fede Valverde

Although Fede Valverde has been one of Real Madrid’s best players in 2019-2020 and is one of Europe’s biggest breakout stars as a whole, his influence in the team has waned recently. Valverde has started in each of the last three games, recording two tackles in each of them. He was a standout against La Real, posting three key passes with an assist.

However, Valverde struggled as part of a double-pivot against Mallorca and was only mildly effective as something of a wide right midfielder against Espanyol. Neither role really suited him, though, and all things considered, Valverde was OK.

Real needs Valverde to be more than “OK”, though. They need him to play to his talent level as one of the league’s best box-to-box midfielders, especially with Getafe and Athletic Club coming up.

GK Thibaut Courtois

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois continues to be a major bright spot for Real Madrid, with his lone blemish since Spanish football’s return being that quizzical goal allowed against Eibar. Courtois did make a goal-saving stop earlier in that match, so he can get a pass. He was also marvelous at times against Valencia and Mallorca, making one especially stunning save in that Wednesday clean sheet.

Courtois needs to have a great July, though, because he will continue to be tested, especially on counters. Villarreal are a dangerous team that recently demolished Valencia, with star strikers Paco Alcacer and Gerard Moreno scoring. They will be challenge for Courtois, whose concentration and reflexes will be called into action plenty more.