Real Madrid: Three best players of the 2020-21 season

The 2020/21 La Liga season is coming to an end and we have a fair idea of the standout performers from each team.

This season's La Liga has been nothing short of an epic thriller, with Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Sevilla fighting for the title. Only six points separate the top four, and Sevilla have played one game less than the other three teams.

Real Madrid are still fighting for two trophies - La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. They are just two points behind league-leaders Atletico Madrid in the La Liga race and take a 1-1 result to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Chelsea.

Despite making no transfers in the summer and surviving several injuries throughout the season, Los Blancos have still managed to get themselves in a position to lay their hands on silverware in this campaign. Let's look at the top performers who are behind the defending champions' strong results this season.

Which Real Madrid players have been crucial to their season?

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#3 Lucas Vasquez

Real Madrid v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Leg One

A name that will surprise fans and critics alike, Lucas Vasquez has been a standout performer for Los Blancos this season. The versatile winger has made the right flank his own and proved to be a reliable option for Zinedine Zidane.

Despite competition from Marco Asensio and Rodrygo, Vasquez earned Zidane's trust with consistent performances. Along with offensive wing-play, Vasques proved to be a more than handy right-back in the absence of Dani Carvajal.

Despite not being a natural in the position, Vasquez proved effective in fending off attacks from opposing teams. His versatility and consistency has made him a starter for Los Blancos, and has featured in over 30 games in all competitions this season. He has scored two goals and assisted eight despite being primarily deployed as a defender.

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#2 Toni Kroos

Real Madrid v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg One

The 2020/21 season has been hectic for players due to its unforgiving schedule owing to the ongoing pandemic. Toni Kroos is among those rare players who have kept their good form despite playing most minutes for Real Madrid.

Good reaction after a difficult start pic.twitter.com/ZScjN3Wgao

— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) April 27, 2021

The German midfield general has been ever-present for Los Blancos, dictating the midfield and helping them win crucial games. Kroos is one of the reasons for Madrid's dominant displays against most top sides this season. His most important showing came against Barcelona on 10th April, 2021. The midfielder scored his first free kick for Real Madrid and led his side to a 2-1 win over their rivals. The result sent Los Blancos to the top of the table.

Kroos has racked up 3 goals and 10 assists in 40 appearances for Los Blancos. Real Madrid need Kroos to perform well in the last few games to win a trophy or two this season.

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#1 Karim Benzema

Real Madrid v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg One

Following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Juventus and Eden Hazard's persistent injury problems, Karim Benzema has assumed the attacking mantle at Real Madrid. Despite the hurdles, the Frenchman has been the only bright spot in the attack for Los Blancos.

With 28 goals and 8 assists in 41 games across all competitions, the Frenchman has proved himself to be one of the top goalscorers this season, going on to score 21 of Madrid's 58 league goals. He is the second-highest scorer in the league, with only Lionel Messi having a better tally at 28.

Karim Benzema's goal cancelled out Christian Pulišić's opener to leave this #UCL semi-final tie neatly poised.Report, reaction, expert analysis, stats and more ⬇

— UEFA.com (@UEFAcom) April 27, 2021

Benzema's exploits have helped Los Blancos stay in contention for La Liga success, and his six goals in the Champions League have been pivotal. There is no doubt that Benzema has been the player of the season so far for Real Madrid.

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