Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid: 3 players who must shine with David Alaba out

Real Madrid came into Wednesday’s match against Athletic Club knowing that they would be missing all the players who were absent against Cadiz due to COVID-19, as well as the suspended Casemiro. And now, Madridistas have one more player to add to the absent list in center back David Alaba, who has also tested positive for COVID-19. 

Let’s take a look at three players who must step up and stand out with Alaba out for Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid at San Mames this Wednesday night.

CB Nacho Fernandez

We will begin with David Alaba’s direct replacement at center back. Jesus Vallejo is one option in central defense, and Rafa Marin, whom Carlo Ancelotti seems to like, has been called up from Castilla, too.

But really, Nacho is the only option here. He is a solid center back and has always done the job when asked at the position, barring a couple of blips to start the season with a new scheme and manager. Nacho even scored the vital goal at San Mames last season during the heat of the LaLiga title race.

His distribution will be important, and Real Madrid will need to hope he tones down the aggressiveness against Inaki Williams and Co. Nacho will have to be at 100 percent sharpness mentally, which is a tall ask for someone who has not played much in recent weeks.

But Nacho is as reliable as it gets for a third center back. If he plays at a high level, Real should be able to seal yet another clean sheet against the side that knocked them out of last season’s Supercup.