Real Madrid are locked in a tough title race. They could win their final game of the season against Villarreal and still fall short, even though they defeated Athletic Club at San Mames. That’s how tough this battle with Atletico Madrid is at the top of the table. Real will like their chances against Villarreal next weekend, though Atleti will feel the same way about their opponents, Real Valladolid.
Los Blancos are in striking distance, though, and they will want to keep focusing on their end of the bargain against Villarreal. So far, they have avoided any catastrophes, and that’s largely due to the way a few key players have stepped up for the team amidst injuries and COVID-19-related absences.
Here are three players who have raised the bar at Real Madrid in recent weeks.
LB Miguel Gutierrez
We begin with Real Madrid Castilla product Miguel Gutierrez, who has basically penned his name into the first-team squad list. After impressing off the bench against Cadiz, Osasuna, and Sevilla, Gutierrez earned his first start this past Thursday night at Los Carmenes.
Gutierrez assisted the opener for Luka Modric and has not looked back since. He was one of Real’s standout performers in both the win over Granada and the weekend victory against Athletic Club. The 19-year-old has impressed Madridistas with his composure, attacking intent, and ability to avoid errors defensively.
Already, Gutierrez looks like a well-rounded left back and part of the solution. He has already usurped Marcelo as the second-choice left back and is currently the starter with Ferland Mendy injured. And Mendy has been put on notice, too. Gutierrez could even push the French defender for his starting spot in 2021-2022.