It’s currently half-time in the Elche – Real Madrid game, but that doesn’t mean we’re not keeping tabs on other players under the Real Madrid umbrella.
With a heavy schedule, and coming off a draw against Liverpool at Anfield just three days ago, Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa rotated a bit for today’s EFL Cup third round game vs West Ham. Gonzalo Garcia, who started against Liverpool, rested today as Rodrigo Muniz took his place. Palacios, meanwhile, who didn’t start against Liverpool, started today.
Palacios was unplayable. Yes, he did score and did have an assist in the 2 – 3 win away at London Stadium, but it was his composure and elegance that stole the show.
Deployed in the left half-space, Palacios floated in multiple positions to help his team escape pressure while pulling strings in the final third. He was quick and silky with his touches, always looking to play quick 1-2s with his teammates and taking minimal touches to play through-passes.
He opened the game with an assist to Muniz:
Then, in the 37th minute, he received a ball over the top, took a perfect first touch before slotting in a goal at the far post:
In the 93rd minute, Palacio had the opportunity to ice the game with a big chance, but ultimately took too long to shoot, and the angle closed on him.
Meanwhile, Manuel Angel made his debut off the bench, Gonzalo Garcia replaced Muniz in the 68th minute, and France Mastantuono played 60 minutes in Fiorentina’s match vs Pisa.
