Real Madrid: 5 players who need to shine in July
RW Gareth Bale
At some point, Real Madrid are going to need Gareth Bale to deliver. It feels like the script is written for him to turn his miserable 2019-2020 season on its head by having a big game or moment. Bale did rescue that point earlier in the season against Villarreal with his brace, so maybe he can bring things full circle.
The Wales international’s first match of the restart was an unmitigated disaster, as calling Bale “rusty” would be a high compliment in comparison to his actual play against Eibar. But the 30-year-old wasn’t bad at all against Mallorca, working hard defensively and actively getting into positions in the attack. There’s hope for Bale, and when the moment comes, he needs to rise to the occasion.
CB Sergio Ramos
Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos are two pivotal players for Real Madrid, but Ramos’ importance as a defensive leader and captain mean even more. Ramos has to do so much covering when Marcelo is in the match, on top of all the pressing and defensive reading he must do as a Real Madrid center back in general.
The captain has the added responsibility of being a short free kick taker and penalty taker, as well as the target man in the air on most of Toni Kroos’ corners and indirect free kicks. With three goals since the restart and eight goals in La Liga as a whole, Ramos has definitely performed these duties well.
Next. Real Madrid Player Ratings from 1-0 win against Espanyol. dark
As with Bale, it feels like there will be more moments where Ramos will be asked to do the impossible, but nobody would ever bet against one of the most clutch athletes on this planet. Ramos means everything to Real Madrid.