3 possible options Zidane can experiment as his right-back for Levante vs Real Madrid clash

3 possible options Zidane can experiment as his right-back for Levante vs Real Madrid clash

With both Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola injured, Zinedine Zidane has no natural right-back at his disposal for Sunday.

Real Madrid are experiencing a real injury crisis in their right-back department after Alvaro Odriozola picked up a calf injury to join Dani Carvajal on the treatment table. Both right-backs won’t feature in the La Liga clash against Levante, which means Zinedine Zidane must think out of the box for his team selection.

While Lucas Vazquez is someone who has played as a right-back in the past, few want to see the error-prone Spaniard doing us more harm than good. Los Blancos, fortunately, have many versatile players in their squad who’d be willing to play in that role for Zidane, as we look at some options.

Nacho Fernandez

While not really an ‘out of the box option’, playing Nacho could be a bit of a risk considering he hasn’t featured at all for Los Blancos this season. The Spanish defender knows how to slot in as a right-back and is diligent enough to put in a commendable showing as well.

He might not replicate the attacking presence Carvajal or Odriozola bring, Nacho’s defensive strengths will help keep the opposition quiet and allow the attackers more freedom to roam forward.

Ferland Mendy

It would definitely be a huge change for Mendy to change his game to play on the right, but he could be capable of getting the job done without making mistakes. The Frenchman’s defensive sturdiness allows him to make crucial challenges in any area of the pitch and he could surely cut it on the right as well.

While it’ll be awkward for him to put in crosses with his weaker foot, Mendy could opt for a more defensive stance and attack only whenever most necessary. His right foot probably works better than Marcelo anyway so if Zidane opts to use a left-back on the right, it should be Mendy.

Sergio Ramos

Remember the time when Sergio Ramos used to be the regular right-back for Madrid? Yeah, that feels a LONG time ago. The Madrid captain has since slotted himself as the commanding centre-back for Madrid, but surely he can slot in as a right-back if necessary.

He has the knowledge, experience of playing in that position and could easily play a few games in his old role. While Zidane probably won’t be willing to break the Spaniard’s partnership with Raphael Varane, unleashing Ramos in that role could have surprising benefits.
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