The next few months will be filled with high-stakes games including El Clasico, Liverpool showdowns, a Derby, and the Club World Cup. With these crucial matches on the horizon, Real Madrid aims to stay close to La Liga leaders, reach the Copa del Rey final, advance to the UCL quarter-finals, and win the Club World Cup.
To achieve these goals, not only does Ancelotti's work matter but also the players' performance. Three players in particular, Karim Benzema, Fede Valverde, and David Alaba, need to be in top form to contribute to the team's success.
Karim Benzema
Despite a slow start to the season due to injuries, he has shown signs of improvement. He has scored 13 goals but had only one assist (!). These numbers are still far from his impressive statistics from the previous season and what is expected of a player of his caliber. The team will be relying on him to deliver in crucial moments and reach his Ballon d'Or level.
Karim Benzema's form in LaLiga this season 🔥
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 2, 2023
Watch Real Madrid vs Valencia LIVE on ITV4 tonight from 7.30pm 🇪🇸⚽️ pic.twitter.com/HHc3PePBO1
Fede Valverde
The Falcon played a crucial role in sealing games for Real Madrid early this season, especially when Benzema was injured. His goals against Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla helped the team stay competitive in LaLiga. However, after the World Cup, he has not been able to bring the balance the team needs on both ends of the field. The team will be relying on him to step up and be the X-factor they need.
🥷 @fedeevalverde pic.twitter.com/sGUDQBlOSB
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 27, 2023
David Alaba
The unsung hero in the defense, Alaba's absence is noticeable every game, affecting the performance of the team. With Mendy injured, his versatility to play in multiple positions is much needed. He was a reason for Real Madrid's success last season and will be crucial for any success they will have this season.
.@MrAncelotti convoca 24 jugadores para el @realmadrid @valenciacf de mañana en el Santiago Bernabéu
— Melchor Ruiz (@MelchorRuizCope) February 1, 2023
✅ @atchouameni y @DaniCarvajal92
❌ @David_Alaba @ferland_mendy y @Lucasvazquez91
In conclusion, it's not just these three players that need to perform, the entire team needs to bring their A-game, but these players are critical to the team's success in the upcoming period. Without them performing at their best, Real Madrid will struggle.