Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch against Real Valladolid

Real Madrid will face Real Valladolid in their home opener of the 2020-2021 La Liga season. Here are five players to watch on Los Blancos.

It wasn’t easy, but Real Madrid picked up their first win of the 2020-2021 La Liga campaign on Saturday night, taking down Real Betis 3-2 at the Benito Villamarin after Sergio Ramos dispatched a late penalty Panenka style. 

On Wednesday, Los Blancos will face Real Valladolid at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, but they will be missing Toni Kroos, who picked up an injury in the win over Betis.

Here are five players on Real Madrid to watch closely against Real Valladolid.

Real Madrid LB Marcelo

Ferland Mendy has been decent to start the 2020-2021 season, but he may get some rest this Wednesday for Marcelo. The experienced Brazilian left back did not make the squad against Real Betis due to a late back injury before the match, but he is expected to return this week.

If Marcelo starts against Real Valladolid, look for him to bring plenty of attacking firepower to the table. He could have a huge game, supplying the strikers with crosses and creating chance from the left-hand side. Whenever Marcelo is in the lineup, Real’s offense looks much better, which can often make up for some lapses defensively as that side of his game declines further.