After losing to Athletic Club and Alcoyano in back-to-back matches, Real Madrid are in need of a turnaround as soon as possible. This Saturday night, they will face Deportivo Alaves at the Mendizorroza, having already lost to Alaves earlier in the season.
Los Blancos are in the midst of a disappointing run of matches, which came after an unbeaten streak. Their recent loss to Alcoyano in their first Copa del Rey match is a new low, serving to highlight the issues at the club. But there is still hope in Madrid, even as the pressure under Zinedine Zidane’s seat returns.
Here are five players who must shine for Los Merengues this weekend in order for the La Liga giants to right the ship at Alaves.
Real Madrid CB Sergio Ramos
We first discuss Sergio Ramos, whose status may be in doubt for the match after he trained away from his teammates on Thursday. That said, Madridistas should expect the captain to be out there, especially after his team suffered such a humiliating defeat without him in the starting XI at Alcoyano.
Ramos has been solid this season, though he hasn’t been as massive at contributing goals as he was in 2019-2020. As a passer, Ramos has been world-class, and save for a couple of mistakes, his defending has been just as assured.
Real Madrid need Ramos to lead the way on Saturday night. After a performance like the one we saw at Alcoyano, Ramos’ leadership is definitely needed. Plus, he and Raphael Varane have to be ready to cope with the physically imposing Joselu.