Real Madrid: Three players who have raised their game in the title race

RB Alvaro Odriozola

Next up on the list is Alvaro Odriozola. For much of the 2020-2021 season, the former Real Sociedad man has been one of the punching bags of Madridistas. And while the comments about Odri have been harsh, they were not 100 percent unwarranted. He had some truly horrible performances, such as a relatively recent one against Getafe, and he was a part of that infamous loss at Alcoyano.

For much of the season, Odriozola looked downright weak and clueless defensively while offering very little attacking-wise. Zinedine Zidane did not trust him at all, even starting Fede Valverde at right back against Liverpool in the second leg over him.

However, Odriozola is redeeming himself. After a decent display against Sevilla, he was excellent against Granada as a substitute. Not only did he score a goal off an Eden Hazard cutback, but the 25-year-old also completed 96.3 percent of his 27 pass attempts. And then, he turned in another confident outing against Athletic Club in another must-win fixture.

Odriozola still has a ways to go before Real Madrid fans can feel fully behind him, but he has been stating his case to get another chance in the squad. The club saw confidence as Odriozola’s main issue heading into this season – not talent. And that makes sense, considering they paid at least 30 million euros for him a few years ago.

So here’s to hoping Odriozola can keep this up.