Real Madrid: 4 keys to overtaking Atleti and winning La Liga

The role players must step up

Last season, we saw a few players rise to the occasion when they were needed. Eder Militao had a world-class display at San Mames. Ferland Mendy made some big plays. Marco Asensio returned from injury and was a star. Vinicius Junior consistently made an impact on the ball. And Isco was a real X-Factor in a few games in the second half of the campaign.

If Real Madrid have to rotate a couple of times, they will need players to step up again. We saw a prime example of that this week when Militao needed to start after a positive COVID-19 test for Raphael Varane, which followed Sergio Ramos’ latest injury.

Militao more than rose to the occasion in three straight big matches.

Unfortunately, there are some players who have failed to do the same. Mariano Diaz has been terrible whenever forced into action when Karim Benzema is out. Alvaro Odriozola is a serious question mark in defense.

And when it comes to the starters, Marco Asensio has been hit-or-miss this season.

Real Madrid need the backups to be the “next men up”, and they also need consistency from attacking players like Vini, Asensio, and Isco. All hands must be on deck for Real Madrid to finish this season strong.