Real Madrid have their biggest test of the early days of the 26/27 season this weekend in the shape of the Madrid derby against bitter cross-town enemies Atletico Madrid. Real are just two points clear of Atletico, with both teams coming off back-to-back wins. This is no doubt a must-win game for both sides; however, for some at Real Madrid, this game could prove crucial for them individually.
The team has had a number of players get off to a hot start to the new season and some who have gotten off to a cold start, who will be looking at this game as the launching point to properly get their season started. This match could prove crucial for three players in particular, who will be looking to prove a point to Jose Mourinho when the lights are at their brightest in the early days of the new season.
3 Real Madrid players with a point to prove vs Atletico Madrid
Vinicius Junior
Let's get the most obvious one out of the way first. The Brazilian has been way off the pace for Los Blancos so far this season, and this derby could finally be the match to get his form back on track.
Vini has grabbed just one goal in seven matches so far this season, and his form in front of goal has been frankly shocking compared to what we have seen from him in the past. The Brazilian has been missing the easiest of chances in front of goal, chances that in past seasons would have been sure-fire goals.
Jose Mourinho has backed Vinicius this whole time through his struggles, but he will need to start producing at some point, and this match against Atletico could prove to finally be the time he finds his old self and bags a crucial goal to guide Los Blancos past their bitter rivals.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Next, we have Trent Alexander-Arnold. With the summer arrival of Denzel Dumfries, many expected a back-and-forth battle between the two for the starting right-back role.
However that role seems to be exclusively Dumfries, with the Englishman only getting two starts so far this season. Dumfries has been a mixed bag, whereas Trent has looked solid when given the chance.
With Atletico playing the way they do, starting Trent could prove useful for his creativity against a side that usually makes creating chances difficult.
Aurelien Tchouameni
Lastly, we have Aurelien Tchouameni. The Frenchman has just returned from an injury suffered at the World Cup, and after getting his starting role back right away against Elche, he will have to prove that he is still one of the top midfielders in the world and that he deserves that place under Jose Mourinho.
The midfield has still lacked control during the early matches of the season, but hopefully, with Tchouameni back, he will prove he is exactly what the midfield was missing and why the club has put so much faith in him by sticking with him and not bringing in a new midfielder in the summer.
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