Lucas Vázquez: Real Madrid's roadrunner
As was the case in the victory over Levante, the winger covered more ground than any of his teammates in the 7-1 thrashing of Celta: 12.6km.
The three changes Zinedine Zidane made for the match against Celta – Lucas Vázquez, Casemiro and Mateo Kovacic – who had their chance to stake a claim for a more regular berth due to injuries to first team regulars Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, were the most active players on the pitch. Vázquez topped the chart for ground covered, running 12.6 kilometres during the 7-1 victory, followed by Brazilian defensive midfielder Casemiro (11.67km) – he also made the most recoveries of possession with nine – and Kovacic, who covered 10.48km.
Zidane has in recent days urged his players to “stick a boot in and win the individual battles.” Vázquez, Casemiro and Kovacic have heeded the call and are winning a greater role in the side with their physical effort. A banner in the stands on Saturday alluded to Alfredo di Stéfano’s famous phrase about earning the right to wear the Real Madrid shirt through sheer commitment. In the last two matches the side have played they have outrun their opponents on both occasions.