Real Madrid: 3 Man of the Match candidates against Granada

RB Dani Carvajal

Dani Carvajal didn’t play against Granada in October, as Alvaro Odriozola recorded an assist and played well as the spot-starter in that 4-2 win. On Monday, Carvajal will be well-rested for one of the first times in 2019-2020, since he’s been overburdened as the only right back on the roster. His rest was forced, too, as he picked up a yellow card against Athletic Bilbao and was suspended.

The Spanish international has been in fine form since La Liga’s return, even if he hasn’t added to his haul of five assists this season, which is tied with a few others for second on the team behind Karim Benzema.

Carvajal will need to be at his best defensively against the threat of Darwin Machis, who is arguably La Liga’s most underrated forward. The 27-year-old has 11 goal contributions this season for Granada and will be hungry for more.

Additionally, Carvajal has the opportunity to cause problems in the attack, just as he did against Getafe. Per WhoScored.com, Carvajal had three dribbles completed, two fouls drawn (including the game-winning penalty), and a key pass in that game.

But the real place where Carvajal can differentiate himself is in defense against Machis. That’s most important for him.