Real Madrid understudies fail to deliver

Fans and pundits alike celebrated the exits of James Rodriguez or Alvaro Morata this summer, while welcoming youngsters such as Dani Ceballos or Jesus Vallejo. Fast-forward a few months and reality has hit Zidane's side in the face: Real Madrid's back-up players do not provide a boost when the team needs them.

The Copa del Rey draw with Fuenlabrada at the Bernabeu all but confirmed Zidane's fears, leaving the Frenchman quite open to signings in the winter transfer window. Theo Hernandez did not live up to his price-tag at left-back and Ceballos and Llorente could not cope with third-tier Fuenlabrada's intense display.

Borja Mayoral scored twice to save Madrid from Copa del Rey humiliation, but the difference between him and Karim Benzema is still apparent. Achraf's dismal performance was not better than Lucas Vazquez's, who has been heavily criticised over the last few weeks. Madrid do not have a bench to call upon. 

Is it down to a lack of talent? Cristiano Ronaldo referred to a need for experience, and the players are losing their right to play in Zidane's team with poor performances that have seriously dented Real's hopes of retaining the La Liga crown. It's a vicious circle: they are awarded no game time and when they play they do not deliver.

Players such as Alvaro Morata, James Rodriguez, Mateo Kovacic or Isco required some time to adapt, but when Zidane needed a change they were ready to impress the French manager. Last season, Real Madrid's triumphs hinged greatly on Zidane's ability to exploit the depth of his squad, but this season he appears more reluctant to hand out opportunities to youngsters.

Captain Sergio Ramos defended his teammates after Ronaldo's comment, but the problem seems perfectly clear: Real Madrid's squad is lacking depth.