5 Real Madrid players who must step up with Karim Benzema injured
2. Mariano Diaz
Mariano Diaz who just has one appearance under his belt in the season played against Elche at Benzema’s position. And, in all honesty, he played well. He was committed to his efforts, he made a diving attempt that spoke for his efforts, and he made a smart back-heel pass to register his first assist in his very first match.
However, as is characteristic of Mariano, he made a lot of mistakes. He robbed Eden Hazard of a clear goal or at least a clear chance by being selfish and going for a shot himself from a position that was very difficult even by Benzema standards. But such mistakes are characteristic of center-forwards. It is just that our CF is Karim Benzema and we aren’t used to mistakes. That is where Mariano’s problems start and end.
Otherwise, Mariano could be given a chance. He injured his nose in the game against Elche but is fit now and could be on his way to another starting XI. Will he have a new rival this time?
1. Luka Jovic
Well, talking about Mariano’s problems at Madrid here is a new one, Luka Jovic. And, he could very well rob Mariano of his chance of starting the next game. He made a much larger impact in the chance he was given after Benzema had to walk off in the first half against La Real. I wasn’t sure why Mariano was preferred over Jovic for the game against Elche but now it seems he will have his chance after all.
I am a hundred percent banking my hopes on the Serbian. After the sort of impact he had against La Real, it is hard to see any other player getting the head over him in the next game. He had a Benzema-Esque cushioning touch inside the box to set up the first goal for Vini to take first time. He then followed his instincts to convert a Casemiro lay-down from point-blank range with a diving header. Traditional number 9 play!
Next. Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Inter. dark
But that wasn’t all. He started dropping back and playing exchanges with the midfield as the match went on. Yes, he did remain silent in the first half after coming up from the bench but all he needed was that half-time mantra from Carlo Ancelotti to get his gameplan right. I am hoping he is the player who would start against Inter. And, Los Blancos will get a good three days’ time to gear up. That should do it for Luka Jovic. This is his chance to make it or break it and he needs to step up in the best manner possible.