Real Madrid: 3 players who need more minutes after Matchday 13

Playing time can be hard to come by at Real Madrid, but here are three young players who could use more minutes.

Zinedine Zidane must rotate and juggle his lineup constantly at Real Madrid. There are veterans who expect playing time, players who are crucial, and youngsters who need the minutes to develop. There is a lot for Zidane to consider, but sometimes it seems like there are a couple of players who slip through the cracks in Madrid.

Let’s take a look at three players on Los Blancos who could use more minutes following the dominant victory over Atletico Madrid in El Derbi.

CB Eder Militao

The first player to focus on is Eder Militao. He suddenly looked like the fourth-choice center back on the roster behind Nacho Fernandez, as the veteran was preferred next to Raphael Varane as Sergio Ramos’ replacement when the captain was injured. Nacho played well, though, and perhaps Zidane wanted the experience of the veteran next to Varane, especially at the San Siro in the Champions League, for example.

There’s no doubt that Nacho is better at center back than at fullback, as his lack of speed is not exposed. However, is Nacho really better than Militao? I am not convinced of that at all. I was very impressed with Militao in his first season at Real Madrid, because that’s not an easy spot for a young center back. He helped Real win the title, showing world-class ability in the win at San Mames.

Militao has received just 135 minutes of playing time in La Liga this season. The only players currently on the squad with fewer minutes are prospects Marvin Park and Sergio Arribas, as well as injured right back Alvaro Odriozola.