Barcelona vs Real Madrid: 5 players to watch | La Liga 2021-22 

Barcelona host Real Madrid at the Nou Camp in the first El Clasico of the 2021-22 campaign on Sunday. Heading into this blockbuster fixture, the hosts are seventh in the La Liga standings while Real Madrid find themselves in third place.

This will be the first El Clasico in the post-Lionel Messi era for Barcelona, who are yet to hit top form this season. Real Madrid will be counting on Karim Benzema for this blockbuster encounter. He has been involved in 16 of their 22 league goals so far.

Though this might not be a top-of-the-table clash, the outcome of the game will be a huge boost for both sides and they will be vying for the bragging rights here.

As the stage is set for what will be one of the biggest club games over the weekend, here we take a look at the five players to watch out for.

---

#5 Eden Hazard | Real Madrid

Eden Hazard is yet to make an appearance in El Clasico

For the first time since signing for Real Madrid in 2019, Eden Hazard is fully fit in time for an El Clasico. Shocking as it might sound, he is yet to make his El Clasico debut.

He has not hit the ground running this season and has just one assist to show for in his seven appearances. But he will be hoping to make an impact here. He will probably have to fight for a spot in the starting XI against Rodrygo. Benzema and Vinicius Jr. have been irreplaceable for Los Blancos this season.

He has faced Barcelona twice in his career and is winless in two outings, losing 3-0 and playing in a 1-1 draw during his spell with Chelsea.

---

#4 Ansu Fati | Barcelona

Ansu Fati has returned to full fitness just in time for El Clasico

Barcelona will have a new number 10 featuring in the El Clasico in Ansu Fati on Sunday. Though the 18-year-old won't be able to fill Messi's shoes just yet, he has shown promise on his long-awaited return from an injury spell.

In just three league appearances he has found the back of the net twice and has added a new dimension and energy to Barcelona's attack.

Fati still has a lot to learn. Ronald Koeman will be thinking that he has found an answer to Madrid's Vinicius Junior in the Guinea-Bissau-born Spain national.

---

Also See: Top 5 national teams with the most fans in the world

#3 Vinicius Jr. | Real Madrid

Vinicius Jr has scored five goals this season

Real Madrid are the top-scoring side in La Liga and have scored 22 goals in eight games. Vinicius Jr. finally came of his own and has hit the back of the net five times in league fixtures. He has scored twice in the Champions League as well.

The player added to his growing reputation with a great performance in Real Madrid's 5-0 rout of Shakthar Donetsk in the Champions League. He bagged a brace and also picked up an assist for compatriot Rodrygo Goes.

He has been in great touch this term. The kind of confidence these performances give him combined with his blistering pace makes him a player to keep an eye on for Barcelona.

---

#2 Memphis Depay | Barcelona

Memphis Depay needs to be at the top of his game against Real Madrid

Barcelona have struggled to find inspiration in the final third but Memphis Depay stands out for the Catalans. Depay has scored four goals and also has two assists to his name this season. He has not missed a single minute of action in the league.

Though his form took a hit in September after a good start to the season, he marked his return to the league with a great performance. He scored a goal and bagged an assist in Barcelona's 3-1 win over Valencia in their previous league outing.

He has linked up well with Fati in the final third. With the youngster also showing promise, it will be interesting to see how the duo can combine in this high-stakes fixture.

---

#1 Karim Benzema | Real Madrid

Karim Benzema has hit a purple patch this season

Karim Benzema has had a great year so far. He finished the 2020-21 season as the top scorer for Real Madrid for the third season running.

He has got off to a great start this season as well. The Frenchman has scored nine goals and picked up seven assists as well, leading the charts in both metrics.

He recently lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy with France and must be full of confidence at the moment. He should be gunning to leave an impact in this game against fierce rivals Barcelona.

He has deservedly earned a nomination for the Ballon d'Or this year and is one of the favourites for the award too. But before he can even think of making it to the podium, he has the responsibility to ensure Madrid return to winning ways. They faced their first loss of the campaign last time around against Espanyol.

He will hope to help Los Blancos extend their four-game unbeaten run in El Clasico against Barcelona.