A Progress Report on the Form of Real Madrid's Villarreal Loanee Denis Cheryshev

Real Madrid loanee Denis Cheryshev continued his excellent campaign with a superbly taken goal in Villarreal’s 2-0 win at home to Athletic Bilbao last weekend.

It was the latest moment of quality from a player who has bolstered his reputation with a string of impressive performances for a Villarreal side who are currently in the midst of a 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

It was also a goal that established an interesting historical record.

Cheryshev first came to prominence during the 2012-13 season, when, as per Soccerway, he scored 11 goals in 31 appearances for Real Madrid Castilla in the Segunda Division and made his senior team debut at home to Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey.

However, his first step up to La Liga did not go as planned. He endured an injury-laden campaign on loan at Sevilla, with thigh and ankle problems limiting him to just five appearances (including two starts) in all competitions.

When he did appear, he struggled to make a positive impact. His half-hour cameo at home to Valencia in February was particularly bad.

He returned to Madrid last summer, and after a good pre-season, he was snapped up by Villarreal on season-long loan.

Perhaps unsurprisingly for a player whose Twitter page carries the slogan “Negativity Doesn’t Live Here,” and who has been described by his own father, as per UEFA.com, as “a very stubborn boy,” it is an opportunity that he has taken full advantage of.

The 24-year-old has remained free of injury and quickly established himself as a key part of Marcelino’s starting XI, making 20 starts and 26 overall appearances in all competitions.

With three goals and eight assists in 1,365 minutes on the pitch in league play, as per WhoScored.com, he has provided a direct contribution to a goal every 124 minutes so far this season.

The Russian international has looked very much at home in a side whose swift and sharp counter-attacks have made them one of the most attractive sides in La Liga.

Quick, direct and two-footed, he has proved a menace to opposition defences with his strong dribbling and powerful shooting. He has also formed an excellent understanding with both Moi Gomez and Luciano Vietto.

The trio combined to superb effect for the opening goal in Villarreal’s 2-2 draw at home to Elche at the start of January and have regularly been involved in each other’s goals. In the league, Cheryshev has provided the assists for four of Vietto’s eight goals and two of Gomez’s four to date.

Cheryshev and Vietto were both named in the LFP (in Spanish) team of the month for December and the Russian’s performances have also not got unnoticed back in Madrid.

AS sources indicate that the 24-year-old will be given a chance at the Bernabeu next season. Carlo Ancelotti is said to have been highly impressed with his progression during the current campaign and is keen to integrate him into the first-team squad.

Cheryshev’s contract was extended to June 2017 on Ancelotti’s advice back in 2013, and the Italian coach has great faith in the winger’s ability. His minutes would clearly be more limited than at Villarreal but it looks like he will have the opportunity to prove his worth at the club that raised him.

But that is all for the future. For now, his primary objective is to help Villarreal continue their excellent campaign. With a top-four finish and Copa del Rey and Europa League honours still in sight, there is still plenty for Cheryshev and his current employers to play for between now and the end of the campaign.