Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s 6-0 win against Galatasaray

Real Madrid’s 6-0 win against Galatasaray came in a very convincing fashion and players like Rodrygo Goes or Karim Benzema gained confidence and momentum for what’s ahead. Los Blancos will still need to take care of business against Eibar in La Liga to prove that they can be consistent enough to fight for the title, but this victory in the Champions League was Rodrygo’s presentation to the world of football.

1. Rodrygo should be Real Madrid’s starter for the right wing spot even when Bale comes back. Coach Zidane might consider giving Bale the chance to regain control of that spot, but it should be all Rodrygo’s. What a presence he’s been since he earned his first start! He plays with composure, makes good decisions, helps the team defensively and has scored five goals in just six appearances for the club. Rodrygo averages a goal every 74 minutes and Real Madrid need more of that. Make him the starter.
2. Real Madrid need Fede Valverde’s presence in the midfield. Let’s face it. The team just plays better when he’s there. Madrid need his physicality and intensity in the midfield and while there are some flaws in his game, Valverde should be ahead of Luka Modric in the rotation. It’s time for Modric to become a key player off the bench. He will still be able to change the entire course of a football game for the next two or three seasons if he comes off the bench and that’s precisely what his new role should be.
3. Courtois has improved and nobody’s noticed it. The Belgian goalkeeper has kept a clean sheet in Real Madrid’s last four games making some good saves in the process. He was heavily criticized before and almost nobody is giving him credit for turning things around. He kept Madrid afloat on their visit to Galatasaray two weeks ago and has slowly regained his confidence. This is the Thibaut Courtois everyone was expecting.