Real Madrid: 5 players who must step up with Raphael Varane, Eden Hazard out at Bilbao

LW Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior has been one of Real’s best players since the restart, even if he isn’t a regular starter. While Vini didn’t make the desired impact against Getafe and did nothing of note as a substitute in the narrow win over Espanyol, he was the best player on the pitch for Los Blancos in the wins over Real Sociedad and Mallorca.

The young Brazilian left winger has been great throughout 2020, saving his best performances for the biggest games, including El Clasico and that all-important win over La Real at the Anoeta Stadium. Facing Bilbao at San Mames in the thick of the title race is another huge game for Real, and Vinicius can increase his value to the team by shining. He is the key to victory.

DM Casemiro

Inaki Williams is a difficult threat to deal with, as the Athletic Bilbao forward is one of the league’s most intelligent attacking players and a prolific scorer. He is capable of producing wondergoals from nothing and loves burying big clubs with counterattacking goals. Williams will be a scary proposition for Eder Militao to deal with at San Mames, so he’ll need some help from the experienced players around him.

Defensive midfielder Casemiro has shut down the likes of Lionel Messi when helping out his center backs this season, and his technique in the tackle is enviable. Only Messi has been better in La Liga this season than Casemiro, who is the world’s best at his position. He’ll need to do loads of covering in this game to help support Militao, because Bilbao’s attack has some big-game players.