Real Madrid: 5 burning questions after tough win over Real Betis

Should Real Madrid give Dani Carvajal some rest?

Per WhoScored.com, Dani Carvajal recorded five tackles for Real Madrid in the 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad, quietly excelling defensively. Carvajal was the full-time starter after October, as Alvaro Odriozola was punished and then loaned out to Bayern Munich, where he won the treble as their backup right back.

Odriozola is in the first team this season and ready for more opportunities. Despite his struggles in Mallorca last Fall, Odri was quite good in the other games, including an assist against Granada.

Carvajal, meanwhile, needs rest. He created the own goal by Emerson in the win over Betis, but he didn’t look at his best either offensively or defensively. While Carvajal wasn’t bad, he was average. And that’s below his standard.

My colleague Ali Al Hassan has Odriozola starting on Matchday 4 against Real Valladolid, and I’d love to see the attacking right back get that opportunity. His pace and quality of crossing add another dimension to Real’s attack, and it’s time for him to become a bigger part of the rotation.

Real Madrid are playing on short rest, so easing things on Carvajal becomes that much more important. Odriozola has a prime opportunity to impress against a decent La Liga side, and hopefully, if he gets that chance, he takes it. This is a big year for the former Real Sociedad man.