Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Deportivo Alaves

RB Lucas Vazquez

Real Madrid right back Dani Carvajal gave  his team a massive lift since returning from injury. He created the goal against Villarreal with an inch-perfect cross from Mariano, reminding Madridistas why Carvajal is one of the best fullbacks in Europe at setting up chances on a plate.

Carvajal played well against Inter Milan, too. He didn’t have any assists, but he had two key passes and a dribble completed. He was never challenged defensively either, seeing as how Ashley Young was the wide player on the left for Inter.

The problem is that Carvajal is out with an injury now. He will miss roughly the next two weeks with another injury, which means Lucas Vazquez will likely return to the right back position. It’s obviously a huge downgrade for Los Blancos, because Carvajal is untouchable on that right side. He’s been one of  – if not THE – the best players at the position for the last five years.

Vazquez has his issues defensively, but the good thing is that he probably won’t be exposed against Alaves. So what he’ll need to do is support the attack offensively as Carvajal has done, including with his assist against Villarreal. Vazquez also created a goal this week against Inter with his cross for Rodrygo, though the goal was annoyingly ruled as an own goal for Achraf Hakimi. Alaves’ Ruben Duarte awaits Vazquez, so this is another big spot for the experienced right winger, who wants to show his value to the club before his contract runs out.