Javier Hernandez's Goals Can Push Real Madrid Toward Trophies in Benzema Absence

Real Madrid have had a few occasions this season where it looked as though their campaign was in danger of being a total washout.

However, the combination of the talent in their squad and their world-class manager Carlo Ancelotti means that, as the end of April approaches, they are still on course for a potential Liga and Champions League double.

Two points off top spot in the domestic top flight and in the semi-finals of Europe, Real have it all to play for over the final weeks in what could turn out to be a memorable campaign.

It wouldn't have seemed possible to many even a month ago, but Javier Hernandez—Chicharito to many—has been the man who has ensured the team stays on track of late, coming up big in the most important of matches.

Stepping Up

Karim Benzema is Real's first-choice centre-forward, and no disputing it, but the 15-goal Frenchman is out injured and has missed several of Real's most recent games.

Combined with injuries to Luka Modric in midfield and Gareth Bale on the flanks, it left Ancelotti with a decision to make over who to bring in: Jese Rodriguez on one of the flanks and push top-scorer Cristiano Ronaldo centrally, or bring in Javier Hernandez, on loan and with barely any game time to his name in 2015 but a proven poacher of goals?

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Javier Hernandez has had 9 shots on target in La Liga this season, 5 of which have resulted in goals. pic.twitter.com/D94Ei1hibq

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 26, 2015"

The Mexican has gotten the nod and has justified his selection with a critical strike against Atletico Madrid in the quarter-final second leg, followed up by two clinical finishes in the Liga game at Celta Vigo, a tough match for Real which they eventually won 4-2.

Hernandez's insistence and reliability inside the area has seen him become a quick cult hero for the team—and has seen him emerge as the go-to man, which will last up until the end of the season whenever Benzema is unavailable or misfiring.

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Goals per min. in La Liga 2014-15: Cristiano: 1 goal per 69 min. Messi: 1 per 81 @CH14_: 1 per 83 Griezmann: 1 per 96 Neymar: 1 per 111

— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) April 26, 2015"

Summer

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Real Madrid have the option to sign Hernandez permanently in the summer, but until recently, there were plenty who thought his lack of game time was a sure indication that he would head elsewhere.

Just three league starts this season tells you everything you need to know about his position in the squad—and yet, six goals in less than 500 minutes is a remarkable return. More of those and Real might change their opinion, as evidenced by Ancelotti's words after the Celta match, per Football Espana:

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Chicharito is enjoying his time [on the pitch] and has been very good.

The whole team worked well. We suffered many times, but we were very effective going forward. Both teams took risks and it made for a spectacular game.

If Chicharito [continues playing] like this, he’ll be non-negotiable like Cristiano, Benzema, James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale, Sergio Ramos, Isco, Raphael Varane, Pepe...

I have a non-negotiable squad but I can only play 11 at a time. The others must stay on the bench.

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If Real choose not to sign him up, plenty of others will come calling. Metro (h/t The Independent) is reporting Southampton's interest in a potential £7.5 million move.

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Javier Hernandez has scored more goals this week for Real Madrid than Falcao has managed in 2015 for Man Utd pic.twitter.com/rvLlRSRC11

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) April 26, 2015"

BBC

As for Real Madrid this season, Ancelotti's "non-negotiables" have always included the BBC front line of Benzema, Bale and Cristiano—but perhaps Hernandez's exploits could be a victory for the importance of squad players.

While several have looked off the pace when called upon due in part to lack of game time—Asier Illarramendi, Sami Khedira and Jese among others—perhaps the Mexican striker's form will convince Ancelotti that giving others a chance is not only important but also effective at this stage of the season.

Players at Real badly want to impact and become a part of the team, and essentially, Real face a final every time they take to the field now.

They cannot slip up anywhere: In league play, Barcelona will extend their lead and win the title. In Europe, one mistake and you're out, such as it has ever been.

Hernandez has reminded the watching world of his talents in the past week or two, and that will do his future career no harm at all.

As for the rest of this season, he has every chance of helping Real lift a piece of silverware or two...and if they do, he will be one of the players who has contributed the most important moments, despite far less game time than certain others.

Follow @karlmatchett