Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Granada

RB Dani Carvajal

Dani Carvajal is still the best right back in world football, as much as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and former Real Madrid man Achraf Hakimi have provided him with a test as the next generation of great at the position. All told, there’s nobody more well-rounded and consistent than Carvajal, and there’s nobody you’d rather bet on in a big game.

This may not be a Champions League bout or a Clasico, but playing against Granada on the road with only a couple of days rest during a title race with Barcelona absolutely makes this a big game. And it’s a good thing Carvajal will be totally fresh, too, since he’s coming off a suspension. He’s Real’s only real right back, so fitness has been one of the concerns.

On the pitch, Carvajal has been one of Real’s best players since La Liga’s restart, stepping up his game to the level it was at during the Champions League-winning campaigns. Carvajal is creating chances for others and playing hard-nosed defense.

Carvajal will have to take care of business defensively against Darwin Machis on Monday night, as Machis has a combined 11 goal contributions this season as a consistent performer for Granada. But Carvajal should be up to the task and will have plenty of joy in an attacking sense. An assist could be on the cards for the former Bayer Leverkusen standout.