Real Madrid Player Ratings: Modric vs Deportivo Alaves
The Santiago Bernabรฉu witnessed a comfortable victory for Real Madrid against Deportivo Alaves, but the individual performances varied. While the overall team effort secured the three points, one player stood out amongst the rest: Luka Modric. Let's delve into the player ratings and analyze the key contributions.
Luka Modric: Maestro in midfield
Rating: 9.0/10
Modric orchestrated Real Madrid's midfield with his usual elegance and precision. His performance was a masterclass in midfield control, showcasing his exceptional passing range, vision, and tactical awareness. He dictated the tempo of the game, effortlessly switching play and creating numerous opportunities for his teammates. His ability to retain possession under pressure was crucial in stifling Alaves' attempts to build attacks. Beyond the statistics, his influence on the game was undeniable โ a true conductor of the Real Madrid orchestra.
Key Contributions:
- Goal-creating passes: Multiple key passes that led to scoring chances, highlighting his creative influence.
- Possession retention: His ability to keep the ball under pressure allowed Real Madrid to control the game's rhythm.
- Defensive contributions: He tracked back diligently, winning back possession and disrupting Alaves' attacking plays.
- Set-piece delivery: Precise set-piece deliveries caused problems for the Alaves defense.
Other Notable Performances
While Modric shone, other players also delivered commendable performances:
Karim Benzema (8.0/10): Benzema's tireless work-rate and intelligent movement created space for others and resulted in a crucial goal. His link-up play with his teammates was excellent.
Vinicius Junior (7.5/10): Vinicius' pace and dribbling skills caused Alaves constant problems. Though he didn't find the back of the net, his contribution to the overall attacking threat was significant.
Eder Militao (7.0/10): Militao put in a solid defensive display, showcasing his strength and aerial prowess. He dealt effectively with Alaves' attacking threats.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the victory, there are still aspects of the game that Real Madrid could improve:
- Clinical finishing: While they created plenty of chances, Real Madrid could have been more clinical in front of goal. Converting more opportunities would have led to a more emphatic victory.
- Defensive lapses: While generally solid, there were a few moments where the defense looked vulnerable, something that needs to be addressed for future matches against tougher opponents.
Conclusion: A Dominant Display
Real Madrid's victory over Deportivo Alaves was a comfortable one, driven largely by the exceptional performance of Luka Modric. While other players contributed significantly, Modric's mastery in the midfield was the key to unlocking Alaves' defense and dominating the game. Despite a few areas that require improvement, the overall performance showcased Real Madrid's strength and their potential to continue their successful campaign. The match highlighted the importance of a strong midfield presence and the individual brilliance that can elevate a team's performance to another level. Modric's performance served as a reminder of his enduring class and consistent excellence. The future looks bright for Real Madrid with players like Modric leading the charge.