Real Madrid: 3 players who must step up with Marcelo out for the season

RW Lucas Vazquez

Why would a right winger need to step up when a left back goes down? Well, Lucas Vazquez isn’t just any right winger. He’s the jack of all trades and an important player to Real Madrid because of his versatility. Vazquez plays since Zinedine Zidane trusts him to work tirelessly in defense, and he’s not a bad crosser of the ball. His intelligent forward runs clear space for others, which could be nice at right back.

Ferland Mendy played at right back the last time Carvajal was subbed off as a precaution, but with Marcelo out, there is no doubt that Vazquez is the top backup right back to Carvajal, who will miss Friday’s match vs. Alaves after being suspended for a yellow card at Athletic Blibao.

Therefore, Vazquez must be up to the task both in this game and in any future games in the remaining three fixtures after Alaves. Or even in the second leg against Manchester City, pending what happens with Marcelo’s adductor by then.

Vazquez is a player Madridistas can sometimes be frustrated with, but most fans appreciate what he brings to the table. And that appreciation becomes clear during times like this when a position in the squad is stretched thin for depth.