Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine at Valencia

CB Sergio Ramos

The captain has been at his best this season, leading the back four like only he can. Sergio Ramos has scored twice in La Liga and added a third goal in the 2020-2021 campaign with a headed effort from a corner against Inter Milan.

On Sunday, Ramos is a good bet to find the back of the net again at Valencia, but he’ll also be needed to deal with the threats of Goncalo Guedes and star man Maxi Gomez, who is the Bats’ most dangerous player. Gomez already has three goals this season and is finally playing up to his potential for Valencia.

Ramos is the man Real lean on in big matches, and any fixture at the Mestalla is an important one for Zidane’s men. The month of November is a trying one for Los Blancos, but they are already off to a good start by taking a must-win match vs. Inter. Now it’s about following it up at Valencia before the international break.

CM Fede Valverde

The Player of the Month for October, Fede Valverde is already one of Los Blancos’ most important players despite only being 22. He was great against Inter at mid-week and scored last weekend vs. Huesca to make it three goals in La Liga. Only Karim Benzema has as many goals as Valverde among Real Madrid players.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Valverde find the back of the net again this weekend, but it’s more likely that he’ll play a more workhorse-like role in the middle of the park. Valverde is a good bet to win the Man of the Match award at the Mestalla with his defensive work, energy, and accurate passing. He glides past defenders and is always looking to progress the game, which makes him a big asset on the offensive end, even when he isn’t scoring.

Valverde is rapidly ascending for Los Blancos and is both a fan favorite and a favorite of Zinedine Zidane’s. He is the solution in that box-to-box role for Real Madrid, and Valencia will have huge problems coping with all that he brings to the table on both ends of the pitch.