Open Thread: February 12, 2021

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, YoSnail or Oscnar.

Looking at the Valencia match

Real Madrid play Valencia CF on Sunday at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano at 16:15 CET / 10:15 EST.

Los Blancos look to make it three in a row. Vinicius Junior has been improving of late, taking defenders off the dribble a bit more in the way he used to, and looking overall more dangerous of late on the left wing. He will likely be getting a third game in a row and this is what young players need to get their legs under them.

Los Che, under boss Javi Gracia, are battling this season. They sit 12th in the table, tied on points with Getafe and Cádiz. They have six goals from set pieces this season. In terms of goal tallies, they are lead by central midfielder Carlos Soler at 6 and then Uruguayan striker Maxi Gomez has 5. Gomez tends to be strong and physical in the air, but rarely beats any defenders for pace. This last Sunday in their draw against Athletic Club Los Che lined up in a 4-4-2 with Gomez and Manu Vallejo up front. Hugo Guillamón was credited with an own goal that put Bilbao ahead at 43’.

Thursday Training at the Valdebebas

Toni Kroos slots home one of his trademark first-time balls along the surface:

Head-scratcher of the day:

Captain Ramos five days post-surgery

(HT M.A.J.)

What a beast!