Real Madrid: The 3 most under-appreciated players from 2019-2020

LB/CB/RB Nacho Fernandez

I could go with another star player who doesn’t get listed in enough Teams of the Season like Ferland Mendy, but it’s more interesting to reserve the final slot for a backup player on Real Madrid who does his job whenever asked.

Having a player like Nacho Fernandez in the squad can make a huge difference in a grueling season when injuries mount. Nacho made one appearance in the Champions League and six in La Liga, helping the team in the Fall when the fullback positions were hurt by injuries and suspensions.

An experienced defensive player who can play at any of the positions in the back four effectively, Nacho helped make sure Real’s league-best defense didn’t miss a beat. He started in clean sheets against Osasuna, Atletico Madrid, and Real Valladolid.

Per WhoScored.com, Nacho averaged 1.8 tackles per game and 2.0 interceptions per game, and those are incredible numbers for a player who spent most of his time at left and right back. Nacho completed over 86 percent of his passes and won 2.7 aerial duels per game with 2.5 clearances per game. He didn’t offer much offensively, but he more than made an impact on defense when his team needed it.

If Nacho leaves Real Madrid this summer, he deserves a great sendoff from the fans for the way he’s helped this club throughout his career. Nacho is a true Madridista.