Real Madrid are top of the La Liga table, with 18 points from 8 games, two points ahead of Barcelona. The Spanish giants have yet to lose this season in the league, winning 5 and drawing 3 matches.
Madrid could extend their lead later this month as they face arch-rivals Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season.
But, they could fall to the Catalan giants if some of their key players do not improve their performances.
Let’s take a look at 3 Real Madrid stars who need to step up after the international break:
3 Real Madrid Stars Who Need To Improve After The International Break
#1 Eden Hazard
Belgian attacker Eden Hazard finally got his big move to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, but it hasn’t been a dream start for the 28-year-old.
He began the season seemingly overweight and did not feature in a few games, before putting in average performances when he was called up. Hazard is yet to acclimatise to the league, and the sooner he does that, the better for the team.
Hazard scored his first Real Madrid goal against Granada last weekend and will hope to get on the scoresheet more often. The Belgian has tough competition in young winger Vinicius Junior and will have to step up his game following the international break.
#2 Luka Modric
Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric has had a torrid start to the 2019-20 season. The experienced central midfielder was sent off on the opening day against Celta Vigo and was then injured last month, which kept him out for a few games.
The Croatian midfielder has made four appearances in La Liga this season, starting just one game, due to suspension and injury.
He has scored once and assisted once in the league this season, but his performances have not been up to the high standards that were set by him over the last few seasons. With Madrid not having many options in central midfield, Modric has step up – and soon.
#3 Sergio Ramos
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is possibly in his last few years at the club as the Spaniard turns 34 next March.
Ramos has played all 8 La Liga games this season, but has been far from his best. While he hasn’t made too many mistakes, he hasn’t been his commanding best as Madrid look vulnerable at the back, as was in evidence in the first two Champions League games of the season.
Ramos needs to do better and lead from the back for Real Madrid, in what is a good opportunity for the side to extend their lead in La Liga in the coming weeks.