El Clasico: Six Players to Watch This Weekend
Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham-
From Birmingham to Madrid, the rise of 20-year-old Jude Bellingham has been well-documented in recent years. In a media climate that seems to prop up every teenager who makes waves in a notable youth academy, Bellingham has somehow managed to surpass the endless expectations that were placed on him in just a few seasons. Since arriving in Spain, the Englishman has established himself not just as a promising young superstar, but as one of the best players in the game. Bellingham’s versatility and athletic drive have him poised to be a generational talent. Real Madrid’s lack of a high-profile striker has meant that the ex-Dortmund defensive midfielder has had to play a more advanced role. Luckily for Los Blancos, Bellingham has adapted well, scoring a squad-high eight league goals. This weekend’s clash is just another stage for Bellingham to show the world just how good he really is.
Credit: Getty
Eduardo Camavinga-
It might be an understatement to say that midfielder Eduardo Camavinga had big shoes to fill when he moved to Real Madrid from Rennes in 2021. For years, the Spanish giants had what many consider to be the best midfield trio in the modern era with Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro. However, with Kroos and Modric aging and Casemiro gone, all eyes turned to the young Frenchman. While he had some shaky moments in his first season, Camavinga came alive in the 2022-23 campaign. That solid play has continued into this year as Camavinga has really found his footing in the middle of the park. The 20-year-old’s defensive acumen is unlike many others in the world at the midfield position. Capable of playing fullback, Camavinga reads the game with the eyes of a veteran defender, while possessing the on-ball capabilities of a confident No. 8. Facing a Barcelona side loaded with talented players, Camavinga’s ability to break up play while also starting the counterattack for Madrid could be decisive.
Vinícius Júnior
The results speak for themselves, Vinicius Jr. is truly one of the most effective attackers in the world. Since the 2021-22 season, the winger has notched 29 league goals and 20 assists. While the Brazilian has had to shoulder much of Madrid’s progressive ball carrying and scoring in recent years, the addition of Bellingham and other talented midfielders has meant that the attacker has been able to operate off-ball and in more space this season. While he sits at just two goals in LaLiga, Vini’s advanced statistics show how good he’s been. Compared to attacking midfielders and wingers, Vini is in the 99th percentile in progressive carries, successful take-ons, and touches in the opponent's penalty box. While he may be having a quieter season than some expected in terms of scoring, make no mistake, Vinicius Junior still might be Real Madrid’s most creative attacking force.
Barcelona
Ronald Araújo-
For a club known for its offensive strategy, Barcelona’s 20 goals conceded in 2022-23 seemed like it had to be a typo. Barca kept 17 clean sheets in the first 22 games of the season, the best mark for any top-tier Spanish team in that time span. The club’s best-ever defensive record (since a 38 game season) was due in large part to center back Ronald Araújo. Now in his fifth year with the club, the Uruguayan is a force at the back from Barca. It’s rare that defenders amass enough standout plays for a highlight reel, but compilations of Araújo shutting down attacking players can be found across the internet. With a concoction of elite speed, great aerial ability, and potent strength, Araújo’s one on one defending has given the world’s best a run for their money. The Uruguayan has been sidelined with an injury for much of the LaLiga season, however he is expected to appear this weekend, playing all 90 minutes in Barca’s 2-1 win over Shakhtar during the week.
İlkay Gündoğan-
From Dortmund to Manchester City and now to Barcelona, İlkay Gündoğan has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world. Gündoğan is now in his 17th season of professional soccer, appearing in the German second division at just 17 years old back in 2008. All of that experience oozes out of the German midfielder each time he laces up his boots. Hailed by Pep Guardiola as one of the most important players for Manchester City during its’ treble winning 2022-23 campaign, the 34-year-old left for Barcelona this summer. While perhaps not the “sexiest” player in the world, the midfielder is as well-versed as they come. Capable of escaping tight defending with just one turn, Gündoğan always just seems to make the right play. The midfielder has played 91% of the available minutes this season in LaLiga while also playing all 90 minutes in all three of Barca’s Champions League matches.
Robert Lewandowski-
Regarded as one of the most potent strikers of his generation, Robert Lewandowski is as consistent as they come. The former Bayern Munich star has logged more than 20 league goals in eight straight seasons. Lewandowski gave the Spanish side a much-needed offensive boost last campaign, leading Barca in goals scored with 23. A threat from just about anywhere in his opponent’s half, Lewandowski has mastered the art of putting the ball in the back of the net. Despite being 35 years old, the striker still possesses a remarkable amount of pace and strength. In a relatively young and inexperienced Barcelona side, Lewandowski provides a bevy of big game experience and professionalism. The striker is coming off of an ankle injury but is expected to be available for El Clasico. With a player like Lewandowski, Barcelona will practically always be a goal threat.
