Real Madrid: 5 players to watch on Real Sociedad in the season opener

ST Alexander Isak

The man who turned down Real Madrid famously stuck the dagger with a brace and eliminated Los Blancos in the Copa del Rey earlier this year. Alexander Isak was a promising prospect for Borussia Dortmund but never got a chance there and saw the writing on the wall with Paco Alcacer banging home the goals.

At Real Sociedad, Isak hasn’t been a regular starter, but he did score nine goals in 1,500 La Liga minutes last season. Isak needs to work on his consistency, but when he’s on his “A” game, the high-upside 20-year-old is one of the best strikers in the league. The 2020-2021 season will be a big one for Isak, and he’d love to make an early statement by scoring two more goals against the club he snubbed. He is a man who bets on himself, and you have to love that.

AM Ander Barrenetxea

Left winger Ander Barrenetxea isn’t as accomplished as the other names on this list, but he is one of the most promising young players in La Liga. The 18-year-old started for La Real last game, playing 78 minutes with two dribbles completed, one key pass, one foul drawn, and one tackle.

A raw talent, Barrenetxea is headed for more playing time in 2020-2021, as La Real have their eyes on him becoming one of the best Spanish players in a few years. He is hard-working and very athletic, and his pace could cause problems for Real Madrid as a starter or off the bench.

David Silva and Portu are experienced attacking players who can find the back of the net, but Barrenetxea is a spark on offense whom Los Blancos should not overlook either.