'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Real Madrid have displayed an extraordinary resurgence this season. After narrowly missing out on the La Liga title last year, Los Blancos started the 2021-22 campaign with a point to prove. They have been in stunning form ever since the season kicked off and currently occupy the top spot in the league table with a four-point lead.
Credit should go to the likes of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr., who have spearheaded Real Madrid's attack this season. The two stars have displayed incredible goalscoring prowess and have been at the vanguard of furthering the club's prestigious reputation this season.
While Real Madrid have dominated La Liga, some of their players have not lived up to the high standards that are expected of them. Let's take a look at five players who have underperformed for the club this season.
Trending
#5 Dani Carvajal
Dani Carvajal has been lackluster for Real Madrid this season. The 30-year-old has been with the Galacticos since 2013 and has a world of experience under his belt. Having made over 200 appearances for the club, the seasoned right-back has won every trophy at club level.
Carvajal is usually a reliable player who lines up on the right side of the defensive line. He displays excellent passing abilities and is more than capable of contributing to the attack.
However, the Spaniard has looked off-color this season, prompting Los Blancos to consider replacements for his position. He has made 20 appearances for the club across all competitions this campaign, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
Having recently turned 30, Carvajal could benefit from a move away from the club.
#4 Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale seems to be nearing the end of his Real Madrid career.
The Welshman was signed from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a reported £85.3 million, becoming the world's most expensive player at the time. He was an extremely fast winger and came to the Santiago Bernabeu with high hopes.
Bale's stint with the Madrid giants has been a mixed affair. The 32-year-old has won a host of trophies with the club over the past seven years. However, he has seemingly fallen out of favor during the last couple of seasons.
Bale rejoined Spurs on loan last year and performed like he never left. This season, he seems to have fallen well down the pecking order at Madrid.
The winger has only made five appearances for the side this season, scoring one goal. He has failed to meet the standards that are expected of a player of his stature.
#3 Marco Asensio
Marco Asensio is often described as a player who is filled with untapped potential.
The Spaniard has been with Real Madrid since 2014 and was described by many as the club's next big thing. However, he has not had an easy ride since his debut.
Asensio has received several opportunities to improve but has failed to live up to his potential. He has made 27 appearances for Los Blancos across all competitions this season, scoring eight goals and providing one assist.
The midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu in the past. Only time will tell what the 26-year-old decides to do.
#2 Rodrygo
Rodrygo is yet to justify his place in the Real Madrid team.
The youngster was signed in 2019 for a reported €45 million and came to Spain amid high expectations. He previously represented Santos and was known to be a crafty winger.
Rodrygo's move has arguably been a failure. He is undoubtedly a fantastic player but has failed to generate the goalscoring output that was expected of him.
The Brazilian has made 30 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions this season, scoring two goals and providing six assists. 19 of those appearances came in La Liga, but he is yet to score a goal in the league.
Still only 21, Rodrygo still has a long way to go in his career.
#1 Eden Hazard
After two-and-a-half seasons with Real Madrid, it is fair to say that Eden Hazard's move to the club has not worked out.
Signed from Chelsea in 2019 for a reported €100 million, Hazard was seen as the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo's throne. He established himself as one of the world's best players with the Blues and earned a big-money move to Spain with his performances.
However, the Belgian's time at Madrid has been marred by injuries and inconsistent performances. He has failed to replicate the form from his Chelsea days and has looked like a shadow of his former self.
The winger has scored only six goals and provided 10 assists in 64 appearances for Los Blancos since his arrival. His output has been extremely low and has resulted in widespread criticism.
This season, Hazard has made 21 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
With his contract running out in two years, Los Blancos may opt to cash in on him this summer.
