Real Madrid: 5 backup players who could get an opportunity vs. Osasuna

LB Miguel Gutierrez

Miguel Gutierrez is the most intriguing backup player to watch heading into Real Madrid’s Matchday 34 clash with Osasuna in La Liga. The young left back made his debut in the second half of the 3-0 win over Cadiz, coming in for the final 16 minutes of the match.

Although Gutierrez didn’t play much, he made a statistical impact. Gutierrez recorded one interception and one clearance on defense. Offensively, the 19-year-old drew two fouls and completed one dribble.

I fail to see how he would be a worse option than Marcelo. He is much better defensively than the 32-year-old, while he may be just as good at beating defenders and carrying the ball into the final third at this stage of the Brazilian’s career. Gutierrez may not be able to cross or create as effectively as Marcelo, but he’d more than make up for it in other ways. Best of all, he would not be a major defensive liability on counters.

Ferland Mendy is likely still one game away from returning, if he can even make it for the all-important second leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

I’d love to see Zinedine Zidane roll the dice on Gutierrez with a start vs. Osasuna. And, well, based on what we have seen from Marcelo recently, including this past Tuesday vs. Chelsea, is Gutierrez the gamble? Or is starting Marcelo again a riskier hand to play?