Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: 5 players who could start at striker with Karim Benzema injured
AM Isco
Another false nine from earlier in 2022, Isco has been a bit underrated this season. Though he is sometimes a punching bag for the fans, Isco has been good whenever called upon this season. Since his contract is running out and Real Madrid have little use for him beyond this season, there is an inclination to keep him on the bench, but Carlo Ancelotti has shown that he respects Isco’s quality, such as when he started him as a false nine over Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, and other options.
That decision was controversial, but honest fans were fine with how Isco played. The issue with Isco as a false nine is that he can’t really provide a box presence. He is 100 percent a playmaker reliant upon the wingers getting into good positions, and that can be tough against a low block. Now, against Barcelona, Isco as a false nine could work out, but it is safe to say that for stylistic reasons and due to his lack of overall involvement in the team, the Andalusian magician is not the favored option.
ST Mariano Diaz
Yes, Mariano Diaz is a legitimate option to start up top. Marco Asensio is, too, but it seems as though Carlo Ancelotti will start him on the right side. Rodrygo Goes seems fit to be in the squad, but he may not be ready to start after taking a knock against Mallorca, too.
Mariano’s goal against Barcelona in the decisive Clasico of 2019/20 may be the high point of his career, particularly his Real Madrid career. He will not forget that magnificent solo goal any time soon, as it was a showcase of what he can actually provide.
This season, Mariano has found ways to help the team, such as with a backheel assist in a narrow win over Elche. But he also makes quizzical decisions and is clearly not good enough to be a starter at Real Madrid – not even a backup, to be honest.
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Mariano did come into a match before Jovic recently, and he has the work rate. Maybe that could be enough for Ancelotti to pull a surprise. And with that assist against Elche and a goal against Villarreal in 2020/21, he technically has more production up top to boast of than some of the false nine options.