Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch against Alaves

CAM Isco

Isco didn’t make the desired impact in his last start against Getafe, but that was also a tactical issue. It’s so tough playing against Getafe, especially when they roll with their frustrating 5-4-1 formation. Jose Bordalas may be annoying to face, but you have to respect his defensive work as a manager, much like with Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone. And Bordalas’ approach nearly paid off, as Isco was bulled from the moment the whistle blew. He was forced to the periphery of the game.

Real Madrid fans need to be careful not to turn on Isco after that performance, though, because he’s still a highly effective player. Isco’s touches, vision, and technical quality make him a dangerous ball progressor in the final third, and his displays against teams like Barcelona and Osasuna this season have highlighted his impact. If he starts, though, he’ll need to be incisive with his passing to take advantage of Alaves’ weak center backs.

CB Eder Militao

Eder Militao, though, is not a weak center back at all. He’s one of the best players at the position in La Liga, but he’s behind two of the best center backs in the entire world. On Sunday, Militao put on a masterclass defensively, covering for his teammates to stop Inaki Williams from scoring on two breakaways.

He started for Raphael Varane last week as a precaution, and this Friday, Militao will start in the on-fire Sergio Ramos’ place due to a suspension. Expect another strong display from Militao,  against two more tough La Liga forwards in Lucas Perez and Joselu.