Lucas Vazquez is silencing his haters at the moment, rejuvenating his career as a makeshift right-back for Real Madrid.
The Spaniard has been subject to more criticism than most, but, with the full backing of Zinedine Zidane this season, he's performing as consistently as ever for Los Blancos.
On Wednesday, Lucas was key as Real Madrid progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League, nullifying the threat posed by Marcus Thuram down Borussia Monchengladbach's left wing.
Going forward, he formed a working partnership with Rodrygo Goes on the right, setting up Karim Benzema's first goal and hitting the post himself in the second half.
In the absence of the injured Dani Carvajal, Lucas has shown that not only is he a good emergency right-back but that there's a future for him in that position permanently.
Lucas is now preferred to Alvaro Odriozola or Eder Militao when it comes to deputising for Carvajal, while Nacho is preferred as a centre-back these days.
Lucas' upturn in form came at a time when his departure from Real Madrid at the end of this season seemed certain, with his contract having just a few months left to run.
"That's a complicated topic," Lucas has said when asked whether he could now sign a new deal with Los Blancos, putting the renewal topic on the table.
"We'll see what happens. I'm focused on working hard. In football, sometimes it doesn't just depend on one side or the other. I'm very happy to be at Real Madrid."
Aside from the two main parties - Lucas and Real Madrid - there is also a potential third party in the form of Zidane who, if he stays in charge, would surely be in favour of his emergency right-back continuing with him.
Even if Carvajal is fit and available to play at right-back, Zidane has still shown that he trusts Lucas to play an important role in the attacking positions too.
On their part, Real Madrid have yet to make a decision over Lucas' future. The player isn't in a strong position and the club aren't planning to offer a renewal in the heat of the moment and based on a good run of form that has come well before the decisive moment of the season, the period that will decide many things.
If he keeps this level of performance up, though, then some minds could be changed.
At this moment, only seven players have played more minutes than the 29-year-old (975) at Real Madrid this season. That's not bad for a player whose future at the club was completely written off not long ago.
Sozekr
0
This player deserves a lot more respect, he was never agitated even when he was on the bench he was never the object of trouble in the locker room
EricTCarte
1
What if he's working hard to get a new contract
Yaceknsu
0
when the media want u to get a new contract..... The whole team is in shambles and there's a performing player?
SBK007
0
I respect Messi a lot .....but if we provide two average teams to each one of them then surely evertime Ronald's team will win ....its becoz yesterday Messi was under pressure created by media n all and that can be felt by seeing how desperate he was for a goal.....on the other hand Ronaldo scored a brace he could have tried for a hattrick but he wasn't desperate all second half juventus were defending including he doesn't care what people or media talk he plays for his passion .... that's why he makes the difference when it is most required
lol scored two penalties and disappeared whereas messi was the only one who atleast tried for barca
madridrealindia
2
I will choose Vasquez as RB over Vasquez as RW.....if RM looking for an extra RB who can play as RW also when required...then Vasquez deserves a new deal ...else real Madrid have enough player in RB and RW position....just becoz he is in good form lately doesn't justify his consistency
madridrealindia
1
I respect Messi a lot .....but if we provide two average teams to each one of them then surely evertime Ronald's team will win ....its becoz yesterday Messi was under pressure created by media n all and that can be felt by seeing how desperate he was for a goal.....on the other hand Ronaldo scored a brace he could have tried for a hattrick but he wasn't desperate all second half juventus were defending including he doesn't care what people or media talk he plays for his passion .... that's why he makes the difference when it is most required
influenza237
0
aturo vidal speak and you know what happen... [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
ManUnited-Red
3
but why do people call him, Lord Vasquez? 🤔
gallasyommy
4
Players are playing with their body soul and spirit at Madrid and still struggle to get contracts while an overhyped player at Manutd will score a goal or an assist and get a bumper contract Tell me why Madrid would qualify outta group stage and we were condemned to Europa
AntiRacist1992
3
5x Ballondor winner lucas GOATsquez is on verge of signing a new deal
standard123
1
media and pressure this players would get a new contract let January vome first before u pressure ramos , vaquez and Modric