Real Madrid have been unlucky with injuries throughout the season. Their defensive line has seen some of the biggest names missing out due to injuries. Thibaut Courtois was the first player who got injured before the start of the season. Eder Militao joined him and recently Alaba became another player to join this group on the treatment table. Despite these many injuries in the camp, Real Madrid have found their way to stay at the top.
Some players are still not guaranteed regular football in a full-strength squad. However, during these tough times, some of the top players step up to their game and deliver performances. One of them is Lucas Vazquez, who has failed to gain a regular spot in the team but has proven to be handy whenever his team need him in tough situations. Recently, Vazquez scored his first goal of the current season. Here are his performances from the current season that show how the player has aided his injury-hit side.
Back-up right-back
Lucas Vazquez has acted as a backup right-back over the years. On some occasions, the manager has rotated his right-back in every game. In the current season, Vazquez has spent 845 minutes on the field. His ability to win ground-level duels is the reason why Ancelotti has preferred to play Vazquez in the right-back role. The Spaniard has won 63.6% of his defensive duels. He has given away a few fouls, but mostly in the middle third.
The 32-year-old might be playing as a right-back but he still can run at the opposition’s defence. Vazquez likes to make full use of the width of the field and has attempted most of his dribbles on the edge of the penalty box. He also averages 3.4 touches inside the opposition penalty box per 90 minutes.
Creative side
One of the primary qualities of this Spaniard is to create goals for his team. Lucas Vazquez has already created two assists for his teammates from 17 shot-assist chances. The player consistently tries to find a teammate inside the opposition penalty box with 4.37 passes attempted per 90 minutes. More than 50% of these passes have been delivered by the player.
His assists include low crosses and lifted balls that land on the edge of the six-yard box inside the opposition penalty box.
Lucas scored his first goal of the season against Alaves and that turned out to be the match-winner. He has eight attempts and five have been on target.
The 32-year-old has started in the last four matches and made his presence felt on the field. He will look to deliver more before the season ends.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
