Real Madrid defeated Real Valladolid 1-0 in a game that was a lot closer than it should have been. Here are five burning questions to mull over.
For the second straight game, Real Madrid came away with all three points despite squandering multiple great chances in front of goal. Except this time, they barely scraped by one of La Liga’s most out-of-form teams in Real Valladolid.
After Sunday’s game against Levante, Los Blancos will have the international break to figure out what tweaks to make. Until then, here are five burning questions for Zinedine Zidane and Co.
Has Alvaro Odriozola earned more playing time for Real Madrid?
According to WhoScored.com, Alvaro Odriozola recorded three dribbles completed for Real Madrid in the win over Real Valladolid, even though he was subbed out for Dani Carvajal in the 56th minute.
While Zinedine Zidane ultimately chose to take the former Real Sociedad man off the pitch for Carvajal, Odriozola looked impressive. He added a lot to Real’s attack. When he was caught out of position, Odri used his pace to recover and make sure Valladolid didn’t punish the home side.
Odriozola remains a work in progress, but he is an effective wing back who is always looking to create havoc in the opposition third. Between Odriozola and Marcelo, the younger of the attacking fullbacks was the more effective player for Los Blancos.
Playing time isn’t easy to come by with a player like Carvajal making regular starts, but Odriozola could be headed for his most appearances in a White kit this season.