Real Madrid will have at least a handful of players out for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture against Cadiz at the Santiago Bernabeu. Luka Modric and Marcelo had already tested positive for COVID-19, and now three right wingers (Marco Asensio, Rodrygo Goes, and Gareth Bale), as well as backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, have tested positive. On top of that, assistant manager Davide Ancelotti has also tested positive for COVID-19.
There could be more absences, but it does not look like the game will be postponed. Los Blancos apparently don’t even consider requesting the postponement of the match at this time, though, of course, the situation is fluid and the opinions of both the club and LaLiga could change pending possible positive tests.
So assuming the match goes ahead, Madridistas have concerns about the right wing position with all those three players out. With Dani Carvajal in doubt due to a muscular overload and Modric already ruled out with COVID-19 himself, that takes Lucas Vazquez and Fede Valverde off the table as options on the right-hand side.
Eden Hazard played in that free role, and Real Madrid could use a two-headed forward setup with Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema as the most likely options. However, Madridistas are most intrigued by the possibility of giving Peter Federico a chance in the XI.
Peter Federico is a perfect fit for what Real Madrid want from their RWs
Peter is one of the most exciting prospects at Real Madrid Castilla. He dazzles Madridistas who watch the youth team each week, as he is a fantastic dribbler. Peter is explosive and has an eye for goal. The young man is someone whom Real’s decision-makers are high on as a future star, whether at the club or elsewhere if a spot does not open for him in the future.
Sergio Arribas is another very talented prospect who can play on the right wing, and Zinedine Zidane gave him quite a few chances last season. However, Peter is even more exciting and can do things on the ball that no other prospect in the club can.
The 19-year-old has scored two goals with an assist in the UEFA Youth League this season across six appearances, which shows that the right winger has end product – not just skill and speed. Peter can play on the left side of the formation, too, but the left-footer is most comfortable cutting in from the right side in a 4-3-3. Thus, he fits how Real Madrid want to play and what they want from their right wingers perfectly.
Carlo Ancelotti has only really given Miguel Gutierrez chances among the prospects this season, even though he seems to value the talents of these players. Even in Miguel’s case, the left back has rarely played recently.
Peter could get his opportunity and stake his claim for even more playing time. Ancelotti may be intrigued with the option of throwing a wild card against Cadiz, as opposed to going back to Eden Hazard, whom the club quietly seems ready to move on from in a future transfer window.
So keep an eye on Peter. He already has eight total goal contributions this season for Castilla and could add a totally different dynamic to the right-hand side as a natural left-footer who offers more one-on-one quality than the other two left-footed wingers in the first-team squad.
To see what he can do for yourself, check out this thread of highlights.