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Real Madrid: 3 players who deserve more playing time in 2022-23

By Divyam Agarwal

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 18: Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid looks on prior to the LaLiga Santander match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 18: Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid looks on prior to the LaLiga Santander match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid upgraded their roster and invested considerably in the 2022 summer transfer window to develop the squad depth they needed previous season, and now with arguably a more improved squad over the one that won it all last season, Los Blancos will be seeking to keep the momentum going.

Carlo Ancelotti’s second stint at the club began with much criticism for the manager’s stubbornness to rotate players, which cost the team early in the season until the Italian opted to finally allow the bench to be involved.

The squad is one of the finest in the world, and so is the bench, with dependable players and exceptional game records waiting for decent minutes to demonstrate they have what it takes to wear this badge and contend for a place with the regular starters.

Among these players, we believe three names should be given more opportunities in the 2022-23 season, as they have the potential to be crucial in forthcoming games and provide the required rotation when the big players are exhausted due to tight schedules.

Real Madrid: 3 players who deserve more playing time in 2022-23

Andriy Lunin, Real Madrid (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Andriy Lunin, Real Madrid (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

3. Andriy Lunin

Real Madrid’s backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is the first player we believe deserves more playing time. The Ukrainian goalkeeper has been eclipsed by Thibaut Courtois, but based on the skill he showed in the limited time he was allowed last season, Lunin is a gem the club have yet to mine.

Limelight arrived on Lunin’s doorstep in Ukraine quickly before being acquired by Real Madrid in 2018. Unfortunately, he has struggled to get the minutes and experience he requires at this age, but the youngster is not in a rush and has agreed with the club to remain patient and wait for the right opportunity.

And we feel that now is the ideal time to introduce the Ukrainian to the rest of the world. Even if Courtois is in the finest shape of his career, he will have a bigger part to play in the Champions League and La Liga’s major matches.

Furthermore, he will be a sure starter for all of Belgium’s World Cup games, which will be followed by frenetic club games, and risking playing him in every game would not be a wise decision.

Apart from retaining the Champions League, Ancelotti’s goal this season will be to win the coveted Copa Del Rey, and matches against lower-level opposition would be a great occasion to give Lunin his due.

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