Real Madrid: The 5 most improved players of the season

Real Madrid recently defeated Cadiz 3-0, offering Madridistas brief reprieve from the Florentino Perez-induced drama that has taken over the fanbase over the past couple of days. Los Blancos remain in striking distance of the top spot in La Liga, while they are preparing to take on Chelsea in the semifinals of the Champions League next week.

Their success in 2020-2021 stems largely from the performances of the “old guard”, which includes Karim Benzema and Luka Modric among its ranks. But there have also been a few players who have stepped up their performances this season, aiding Real in their competitiveness.

Here are the five most improved Real Madrid players of the season thus far, including one loanee.

RB Lucas Vazquez

We begin with a player who is no longer contributing to Real Madrid due to a season-ending injury he suffered in El Clasico. Lucas Vazquez and Los Blancos may have to go their separate ways this summer, and, if they do, Vazquez has given Madridistas quite the parting gift.

Simply put, Real would not be in this position in either La Liga or the Champions League without Vazquez. He has been among the leaders of the Champions League in statistics like shot-creating actions, distance covered, and carries on the ball.

Although Vazquez is a winger, he was incredible at the right back position, standing out as one of the top players in the league at the position prior to his injury. He even had an assist and was named Player of the Week for his first half against Barcelona prior to the injury.

Vazquez went from being a liability for Los Blancos in 2019-2020 to being one of the team’s bedrock players this season.