After what has been a resoundingly successful season for Real Madrid, it is natural for one to look back fondly at the team’s exploits and see who in particular were the impactful players that helped the team reach the pinnacle of European and Spanish football this year.
Players like Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, and Vinicius Jr. have all deservedly received their plaudits for their formidable play, along with a few other key members within the squad.
One of those members who have put their hand up and flourished is the team’s latest right-wing prodigy in Federico Valverde.
The young Spanish upstart has taken the necessary steps to solidify his spot within the team, providing Real Madrid with a potent front three that they can hopefully rely on over the next few seasons, despite Benzema’s advancing age.
It is no easy feat to hold one’s own at such a heralded role, especially when one considers the glittering stars that have played the position throughout the team’s history.
Today we get an opportunity to review five of the best ever right-wingers for the club in ascending order of importance, and just how they stack up in the annals of footballing history?
5: Angel Di Maria (2010-2014)
The current PSG winger enjoyed a successful four-year stint in the early 2010s for Los Merengues after a breakout World Cup 2010 campaign in South Africa for Argentina.
In 190 appearances for the club, Di Maria managed a respectable 36 goals and 84 assists in all competitions.
He was known for possessing the complete package, which included incisive passing balanced with a technical virtuosity that helped keep his attacking teammates in the hunt.
Di Maria’s game was not only reserved for the winger slot, as he was occasionally able to drop back and take on a more central midfield role as and when play dictated, lending Real Madrid even greater flexibility.
Under Jose Mourinho’s tutelage, the winger helped guide the team to a first La Liga championship after three seasons of dominance from La Liga rivals, Barcelona, in 2011-12. This was nicely complemented with twin Copa del Rey successes, a Supercopa de Espana, and a UEFA Super Cup in 2014.
2014 was a hugely important year for Di Maria as he provided the best of send-offs through his Man-of-the-Match performance in the UEFA Champions League final against city rivals, Atletico, which pushed the team into extra-time, and ultimately helped them secure the title.