Real Madrid: Ranking the best RW options before 2022 begins

5. Eden Hazard

It is so hard to look at Eden Hazard sitting in the dugout and watching the match from the sidelines. He wasn’t a player who was destined for such a career with Los Blancos. He was the replacement for the magnificent Cristiano Ronaldo. Alas, he hasn’t even been able to achieve half of the expectations that were set on him.

In my opinion, however, he is a special player who can pull off some magical plays. He started as a first-choice this season, then was overshadowed by the electric Vinicius Junior, and soon after missing a few matches. Other players like Asensio and Rodrygo made their own cases making the Italian boss favor other options over him. It is sad and at the same time beyond my understanding as to why Hazard isn’t given his minutes.

Carlo Ancelotti has clearly stated that he prefers other players over him. But, it isn’t like he was playing badly, he had a brilliant flick assist for Benzema to start proceedings for the season. And, in the opening games, he played some delicious linkups with Benz. However, it is clear that he isn’t the coach’s preference and I have no option but to rank him this lower down in the list.

4. Federico Valverde

Yes, he is not an orthodox right-winger. But, he proved pretty well that he can handle that responsibility very well. In fact, Fede Valverde can be a brilliant transitioning RW/RM. He showed it last season under Zinedine Zidane at times when he played Valverde in the attacking trident. He has also shown it this season at times when tactical shifts in between matches asked of him to play up front.

In my opinion, he’d be a better option than Marco Asensio. Valverde is young, has pace, and a lot of intelligence in terms of decision making and leading a move through its progressive stage. He’d also help out Dani Carvajal who can step back from covering for Asensio’s lethargy and stick to his own part of the play which is his core strength.