Real Madrid: 5 burning questions from a dream win over Gladbach

2. Should Lucas Vazquez still play a key role with Dani Carvajal back?

Dani Carvajal was in the squad for Real Madrid vs. Borussia Monchengladbach, having recovered from a second injury this season. But he did not start, as he may not have been healthy enough to play a full 90 minutes.

Well, Los Blancos didn’t need him. Lucas Vazquez turned in his best performance of the season since his marvelous appearance off the bench at the Camp Nou in the 3-1 win over Barcelona. Vazquez kept Gladbach’s best player, Marcus Thuram, quiet. I have rarely seen Thuram this uninvolved in threatening attacks, and while the likes of Raphael Varane and Luka Modric should be praised for their efforts, Vazquez did so well on that right-hand side. He really only had one sub-standard defensive moment when he allowed Thuram a shot at goal with his right, but that’s a typical mistake for a right winger playing right back.

As a whole, Vazquez was honestly one of the three most impressive players for Real Madrid in thsi victory. He tied Toni Kroos for the team lead in pass attempts and both Kroos and Karim Benzema for the lead with five key passes.

Play ran through Vazquez on that right-hand side, as he combined wonderfully with the steady veteran Modric and the rising second-year man Rodrygo Goes.

Carvajal should return soon, and the same can be said for his actual backup, Alvaro Odriozola. But Vazquez has played so well in the final year of his contract that he merits the minutes. He’s honestly offered more to the attack with his crossing and ball-carrying than Marco Asensio and even Rodrygo, though Rodrygo has proven useful with his assists.

I’m sure Zinedine Zidane will find a way to get Vazquez involved. He’s really answered the call.