This is my first player ratings job for a good while, and whilst I can’t quite recall what game I was last on for, a lot has surely changed for Real Madrid since then. Games have only gotten weirder to watch, and this one followed that trend. Madrid casually drifted through the game to claim a 1-1 draw that will keep Zidane pondering for some time. The final ratings from the game can be viewed below!
Keylor Navas — 6: It’s fair to say that this game passed Keylor by in the click of a finger. The strike that beat him in the first half was a rocket, but he kept it tidy elsewhere. Was beaten again late on but the offisde flag spared him.
Dani Carvajal — 6: Worked well on the right especially in his own half. Offensively Dani didn’t create much danger with his crossing, but passed the eye test with the ball at his feet.
Nacho Fernández — 6: Largely complacent game from the defender, but he did enter a few tussles with the Leganés attackers. When the ball entered the Madrid penalty area his legs turned to jelly at times, but overall a fine game.
Raphaël Varane — 6.5: A stronger game that his partner if only by a tad. Varane was an important figure in defence today often stepping up to break up attacks and put the challenge in. Had me worried right at the end as an attacker made him twist and turn infront of goal, but he recovered well and snuffed out the chance.
Marcelo — 5: Some players looked too relaxed, but I’d say Marcelo looked more tired. Didn’t get up to much on the left, and was poorer in comparison to Carvajal on the other side. He also failed to create anything on the attack, which is highly uncharacteristic. Zidane will have this man in mind over the next week for sure.
Fede Valverde — 6.5: It was good to see Fede starting this game, and he put in another good shift. On the ball there were cautious moments, but he settled and looked as strong as anyone. Defensively he impressed during moments but sometimes looked a bit dazed, perhaps due to his role alongside Casemiro. Another 90 minutes for a player that looks safer for the summer by the week.
Casemiro — 6: Same old story for big man Casemiro. When in possesion he didn’t look so reliable, but he of course did plenty to rectify that when Leganés had the ball. He put in one vital challenge amongst various other standard defensive contributions.
Luka Modrić — 8: My favourite game from this man so far this season. The calm, smooth atmosphere surrounding the game created an enviornment that allowed Luka to thrive. Everything he tried worked out, often things that haven’t been working for a while. His touch was silky and the defenders could not get anywhere near him all game long. A joy to watch in an otherwise tedious game.
Isco — 7: Another player to find his feet in this type of game. And those feet were quick. His first half was action packed and he was one of the main creators. Not that much was created overall, but Isco still looked great on the ball and linked in well with his teammates. The second half dropped off a bit and he was eventually substitued for Lucas Vázquez.
Marco Asensio — 6: Marco didn’t fancy it as much as Luka or Isco, but did contribute modestly himself. Looked pretty on the ball at times, and produced flashes of entertainment here and there - but overall was reasonably muted. Made way for Gareth Bale towards the end of the game.
Karim Benzema — 7: Karim once again stepped up to score the goal which earned Madrid a point. This was his sixth goalscoring contribution in six games. The finish wasn’t his best as the first shot was saved before he tapped away the rebound, but of course he won’t mind. Another one to have a good go on the ball, but was quieter than you’d expect in a game like this. Still was one of the teams better players on the day.
Substitutions:
Lucas Vázquez— 5: Came on for Isco as the first substitute, and I’d be lying if I said I noticed him much after that. Did just about enough to earn a rating in the fifteen odd minutes he was given on the pitch.
Gareth Bale: Gareth was brought on for Asensio within the last ten minutes. Zidane hoped he could find a winner in the Welshman, but in truth he didn’t get up to much. Made a couple of good runs.
If monday was a football game, it would certainly look this is one. Another luthargic showing from the team adding to a few too many in recent times. Still, another game is ticked off the calender as the countdown to the summer ticks on. How would you rate the players based on their performances tonight?