Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch against Celta Vigo on Matchday 28

Real Madrid CF Karim Benzema

Real Madrid center forward Karim Benzema is in ridiculous form right now. He scored the opener vs. Atalanta after scoring in each of his last four La Liga matches. So in his last five fixtures, the French striker has scored a whopping six times.

No single player is more important to Los Blancos than Benzema, who truly does carry this attack with his goals and influence on the ball as a passer and dribbler. There is nothing Benzema can’t do. We even saw him make an amazing tackle in his own half and then dribble through several Atalanta players this Tuesday.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds the scoresheet again, as Celta Vigo’s defense is not exactly the strength of their team.

Celta Vigo DM Renato Tapia

Renato Tapia has emerged as one of La Liga’s top defensive presences, and only Iago Aspas is more important to Celta Vigo’s success. The defensive midfielder is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win, and he puts in the defensive work that allows everyone else to shine. Tapia, per WhoScored.com, leads the way with 3.2 tackles per game and 1.9 interceptions per game, making him one of the most impressive players in the league at defensive interventions. He may be the second-best defensive midfielder in La Liga after Casemiro right now.

So Tapia is an important player for Real Madrid to watch closely this weekend. He will look to disrupt Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, who showed both against Elche and Atalanta that they are the heart and soul of this team.