Lucas Vazquez delights in second shot at Real Madrid career

Andy West 04:35 21/09/2015
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  • Delight: Vazquez with Benzema.

    A year ago, Lucas Vazquez had just started a season-long loan at Espanyol and was playing for his future as a top-flight footballer.

    Having progressed through the Real Madrid youth ranks but then being sent away, Vazquez knew that very few young players who are allowed to leave in such a scenario ever return to command a first-team place at the Bernabeu.

    But Vazquez was a sensation with Espanyol, playing 33 league games and catching the eye with six assists and three goals. More than those numbers, however, Vazquez impressed with his work rate, determination and team ethic, and Espanyol had no hesitation in signing him on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

    Within weeks, however, in an unexpected twist he was back at the Bernabeu after new manager Rafa Benitez insisted that the club exercised their buy-back option on a player he regarded as a more than useful back-up option.

    And now, little more than 12 months after fearing that his Los Blancos career was over without even playing a single minute, Vazquez is reflecting on his first league start for his boyhood club.

    With Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez injured, Vazquez was selected ahead of Mateo Kovacic and Jese Rodriguez to start Saturday’s meeting with Granada, and the 24-year-old responded with a busy 90 minutes as Karim Benzema’s strike secured a 1-0 victory.

    Although he is aware that his route into the team has only been made possible by injuries, Vazquez is determined to make the most of his opportunity and earn more playing time as the season unfolds.

    “I just have to try to make a mark when I’m on the pitch,” he said. “The manager makes the decisions and I am pleased with the chances he’s giving me.

    “Playing for the best club in the world at this stadium is a huge source of motivation. It makes you want to run even more and I have to keep working hard so the manager continues to turn to me.”

    Benitez was keen to praise the winger’s performance, saying: “Lucas ran and worked hard. We have seen the dynamism and mobility he brings us.”

    There was also veiled criticism for Jese, who was in fine form during pre-season but has been largely overlooked since the start of the competitive campaign.

    Jese has not played at all since being substituted an hour into the season opener against Sporting Gijon, Benitez said: “Vazquez played ahead of others because he has earned it. Players have to work hard to be in the best shape. If not, another player will play and you have to keep on working.”

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