The unexpected rise of Real Madrid’s most surprising hero | OneFootball

In a squad brimming with world-class talent, such as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr., defenders often go unnoticed, especially those who play as backups to regular starters.

Lucas Vazquez is a perfect example of this, as his role as an understudy to Dani Carvajal has often sparked doubt about whether he could rise to the occasion.

Despite this, the 33-year-old has repeatedly shown that he is more than capable of stepping up when needed.

In a recent match against Brest, Vazquez delivered a key assist that allowed Bellingham to finish off a superb play, resulting in a two-goal cushion.

This assist marked his fourth in the last eight games, further cementing his value to Real Madrid’s attacking play.

A journey that was started by Zidane

Vazquez’s journey from an emergency full-back to a regular starter under Zinedine Zidane speaks volumes about his adaptability.

Over the years, he has made the right-back position his own, maintaining his offensive flair while also becoming more reliable defensively.

Lucas Vazquez has upped his game this season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

This season alone, Vazquez, who continues to face uncertain future, has already been involved in seven goals—scoring twice, against Alaves and Borussia Dortmund, and contributing five assists.

These numbers demonstrate his continued importance in the team, especially with Carvajal’s long-term injury.

A permanent fixture

What was once a backup role has now turned into a starting position, with Vazquez featuring in 21 out of the 29 games played this season. His contribution has become indispensable due to the lack of other natural right-back options in the squad.

Although Vazquez’s defensive instincts occasionally leave room for improvement, his offensive awareness more than makes up for it.

As his coach continually emphasizes, he is always ready when called upon, providing both defensive cover and offensive support.

With Carvajal’s absence still felt, Vazquez’s performances highlight just how valuable he has become to Real Madrid, offering much more than just defensive stability.