Real Madrid vs. Villarreal: 3 things to look forward to
A test for Real Madrid’s young defense
Real Madrid have been an impressive defensive side under Zinedine Zidane in the manager’s second stint with the club. Last season, no club in Europe’s top five allowed fewer goals during the season, while Real’s defense has remained strong in 2020-2021 despite significant injuries to Ferland Mendy, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez, and Raphael Varane. And all those players will be out, with the possible exception of Ramos, this weekend.
Meanwhile, MARCA still expects Villarreal to start star man Gerard Moreno with Moi Gomez and Carlos Bacca, who just scored a hat-trick against Sevilla, up top. If that holds, that’s a tough trio to go up against.
But Real Madrid’s young defense of backups has been impressive lately. Miguel Gutierrez already looks like a future star and shows unreal composure for a 19-year-old left back. Over on the right side, Alvaro Odriozola has stepped up his performances, too, which is a huge positive for both Real in the title race and perhaps even going into the next season.
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Of course, the most impressive player is Eder Militao. He’s played the best football of any Real Madrid center back this season over the past month or so, and that’s high praise indeed.
Villarreal still have forwards who can give Real’s young defense a great test in the final game of the season, and I am excited to see how these players meet the challenge. Because I have confidence they will stand out.