Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch against Elche

Real Madrid will face Elche on La Liga’s Matchday 16. Here are five key players to watch on Los Blancos.

Currently on a six-game winning streak, Real Madrid have shown that they have what it takes to win a 35th league title this season. After back-to-back losses to Deportivo Alaves and Shakhtar Donetsk, which eerily reflected similar losses to Cadiz and Shakhtar earlier in the season, Real’s status as contenders was in doubt.

Now, though, they have removed those doubts, showing great resiliency in the face of difficult injuries. Los Blancos won’t want to overlook Wednesday’s opponents on the road, but they should have the three points at Elche.

Let’s take a look at five key players to watch on Real.

FW Marco Asensio

Zinedine Zidane will likely return Eden Hazard off the bench at Elche as a tune-up match. So we could get Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vazquez starting on either wing, but I could also envision Marco Asensio picking up a start on either side after his strong performance in relief of an injured Rodrygo Goes vs. Granada.

Asensio bagged his first goal contribution of the season against Granada with his expertly-placed cross for Casemiro’s opener. He was oh-so-close to a delightful backheel goal earlier, and then after that assist, he was close to a second after setting up Isco.

Now is the time for Asensio to break out of his slump and remind Madridistas what he can bring to the table.