In the first few games of the season, Carlo Ancelotti has used different formations and different sets of players. Until now, it’s fair to say, the Italian hasn’t found the perfect starting XI for Real Madrid. Ancelotti has done some experiments, like playing Asensio as a CM, giving Hazard a new No.10 role, and playing Valverde as a right back. The latter attempt came in the recent La Liga game against Villareal. In all honesty, playing Valverde at RB didn’t pan out at all well.
Ancelotti has tried 5 different players at the right-back position already. Along with Valverde, Carvajal, Vazquez, Nacho, and the Castilla youngster Sergio Santos have all had minutes in this position. However, Carvajal’s recent injury means the spot is open again for others.
So, now, we discuss three reasons why Ancelotti should trust Lucas Vazquez to start at the right-back position, at least until Carvajal is ready again.
Vazquez has experience playing at RB, as he played there last season
Last season we saw a lot of injuries, 59 to be exact. Among the players on the sidelines due to injury, Dani Carvajal was ever-present. It was the Spaniard’s worst ever season in the Spanish capital club.
Zidane had the big task of replacing Carvajal. The backup at that time was Alvaro Odriozola. But Odriozola’s poor performances meant Zidane had to deploy Vazquez at RB position. Ever since his introduction in this role, Vazquez has rarely played in his natural RW position. That goes some way in stating his impact. The Spaniard came up big time in the defensive role last season.
Due to his impressive performances, he earned a contract renewal. He was essentially seen as a backup in the RB position when his contract was extended. Although he wasn’t perfect in this defensive role, he did enough to be considered a backup. Vazquez’s performances in the RB role even led to the club loaning out Alvaro Odriozola.