Real Madrid are fresh off a 5-2 win over Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu. Their return to the vaunted stadium did not go as planned in the first half due to some defensive issues, but in the second half, Los Blancos ran rampant in front of goal. It was an example of the heights Real can achieve in the attack under returning manager Carlo Ancelotti. And left back Miguel Gutierrez was one of the standouts in an attacking sense, on a day in which Karim Benzema scored three and Vinicius Junior shined once more.
Miguel played well for Los Blancos at the end of the 2020-2021 season and carried that momentum two weeks ago in a clean sheet against Real Betis.
On Wednesday night, Real Madrid will face Inter Milan at the San Siro for the second time in two years, as they are in the same Champions League group once more. Ancelotti has three great options at left back in David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and the young Miguel.
Here are three reasons why Miguel should be the one to start.
Real Madrid should not risk Ferland Mendy
Although Ferland Mendy was expected to be available against Celta Vigo, Carlo Ancelotti wisely did not think of using the Frenchman. In the first half, it seemed like he would need him, but Real Madrid’s attack proved to be too much, and the defense did buckle down after some adjustments and words of wisdom from the Italian manager.
Mendy is recovering from an injury that may be shin splints, a stress fracture, or something in between. Nevertheless, he’s been out since the last season, as he could not even compete in the Euros.
Safety first. That should be the policy with Mendy. Do not risk him, since his defending will be so important to this team. Madridistas have eyes on him as a future center back, after all.