3 things to look out for against Chelsea

Real Madrid face Chelsea in their second game of pre-season on the 30th of July at 8pm in Michigan. Here are three things to look out for…

Will Zinedine Zidane be forced to play more youth?

Three. That’s the number of Real Madrid Castilla graduates that started in the game against Paris Saint-Germain. A respectable number yes, but Nacho has played 53 games for Real Madrid’s senior team, Alvaro Morata with 37 and Casemiro with 36. They’re not exactly new to the team.

The performance of the experienced players in the first half against PSG did little to justify starting them again. You’d be forgiven for thinking that the second half XI had been playing in the senior team for years due to their assured and exciting performance. They had nothing to lose given that we were already 3-1 down and they certainly did not disappoint, livening up the game with their energy and skill.

Will some of these players start in the game against Chelsea?

Will Luka Modric and co get some minutes?

Luka Modric, James Rodriguez and captain Sergio Ramos all returned to training though the game against PSG came too soon for all three. Modric and Ramos participated in the Euros this summer and both were knocked out in the round of 16. Rodriguez’s Colombia got knocked out in the semi-finals of the Copa America after losing 2-0 against Chile.

Will they get some minutes in preparation for the long season ahead? If so, what does that mean for the youth players? Rodriguez will be one to watch given the speculation surrounding his future at Real Madrid. Many are wondering which James we will see this season - 14/15 or 15/16?

Key battle - Marcelo v. Willian

Brazilian v. Brazilian. In Marcelo we have a player who loves to get forward and help the team in attacks though he will need to be defensively disciplined in the game against Chelsea. Willian is known for his work-rate and his ability to outpace opponents and it is these attributes which makes him such a dangerous player. Marcelo will also be tested when attacking given Willian’s willingness to track back and help his team.

The story is similar for the other flank with Danilo/Dani Carvajal being up against (most likely) Victor Moses, another powerful, speedy player. Both battles will undoubtedly be exciting to watch.