Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid: 3 players who must shine with David Alaba out
LB Ferland Mendy
The final player who must step up and stand out against Athletic Club with David Alaba out due to COVID-19 is none other than fellow defender Ferland Mendy, who has been a great fit with the Austrian on the left side of the Madrid defense.
Mendy has been solid lately, and his defensive work is never in question. However, Madridistas would like to see Mendy, who can be very clumsy on the ball at times, increase his attacking contributions. He is good at carrying the ball and playing simple passes, but when space gets tighter and defense sit back Mendy starts to look very shaky in the final third. He really did not do Vinicius Junior any favors last Sunday night at the Bernabeu in a 0-0 draw with Cadiz.
With Alaba out, Mendy’s passing and attacking contributions become more magnified, because Real Madrid are losing a center back who is excellent at stepping up to the attack and even drifting out to the left side of the attack to help facilitate play.
On top of that, who can forget his vital solo goal in El Clasico? Alaba’s technical quality will be missed against Athletic Club.
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How much Alaba is missed can be influenced by Mendy, who has something to prove after failing to help Real Madrid break down Cadiz’s defense. Athletic Club won’t be as defensive in their play, but they also have higher quality players in defense. Thus, the task does not change for Mendy.