Real Madrid: 3 players who must shine with Ferland Mendy injured

CB Nacho Fernandez

Nacho has been one of Real Madrid’s top performers in the 2020-2021 season. According to WhoScored.com, he is second on the team in interceptions per game. Whenever Sergio Ramos has been injured, including now, Nacho has been the man to stand out as a great defensive player and a leader for Los Blancos.

With Ferland Mendy injured, Nacho becomes that much more important. If Real Madrid go with a back three when Raphael Varane returns from COVID-19, Nacho would be the starter on the left side of the three-man defense, which is a position Mendy can also occupy in this back line.

For that reason, Nacho is the pick here. We have also seen him move up into the attacking third to support the team, much like Sergio Ramos does from his left-sided center back position. And that may be something for Nacho to do in a back three.

In a back four, he must be more cautious, of course. He becomes more important due to the lack of cover from Mendy, as Nacho would have to stay disciplined and on high alert, considering all the issues Marcelo has with keeping up in defending counterattacks. Nacho has been a great defender for Los Blancos in 2020-2021, but he’ll have to elevate himself further without Mendy’s help.