La Liga 2016/17: Real Madrid 2-1 Sporting Gijon - 5 Talking Points

#3 Nacho continues to deliver and shows consistency and versatility

Nacho has been one of Real Madrid’s best defenders so far this season. When he was asked to play at center back against Atletico, he did so and played magnificently. The young Spaniard has quickly asserted himself into Zidane’s starting lineup, whether he stays there remains to be seen as Real have good, quality players in defence like Rafael Varane.

Sergio Ramos and Pepe started in the centre against Gijon and Nacho was asked to play left back. He did so with minimal fuss and went about his work up and down the flank with class and tenacity. He even notched up an assist for Ronaldo’s second goal, floating in a brilliant cross at the far post.

The thing about Nacho is that he is not flashy and he rarely puts a foot wrong much like fellow Spanish teammate Cesar Azpilicueta. Although he did score a brilliant scissor kick goal against Cultural Leonesa which will be spoken about for a very long time, Nacho remains an underrated classy defender and will only go from strength to strength from here on.

With Pepe’s career coming to an end slowly, expect Nacho to give Zidane something to think about while picking his starting eleven.