Real Madrid Player Ratings: Stuttgart Win
Real Madrid continued their winning ways with a comfortable 3-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart in a pre-season friendly. While the result was positive, the performance wasn't exactly a vintage Real Madrid display. Here's a breakdown of the player ratings:
Starting XI
- Thibaut Courtois (7.5): Courtois made a crucial save in the first half, denying Stuttgart a clear goal-scoring opportunity. He also displayed his usual calmness and composure, controlling his box well.
- Dani Carvajal (7.0): A solid performance from Carvajal, who provided good defensive cover and was a constant threat going forward. He created a couple of chances with his crosses and displayed good energy.
- Eder Militao (7.0): The Brazilian defender put in a composed performance, winning his duels and showing his usual strength and composure. He seems ready to take on the new season.
- David Alaba (7.0): Alaba looked comfortable in his role as a center-back, displaying his trademark intelligence and reading of the game. He also showed good passing range and contributed to the buildup.
- Ferland Mendy (7.0): A solid performance from Mendy, who was defensively solid and offered good support on the left flank. He created a good chance with a cross into the box.
- Aurelien Tchouameni (8.0): The Frenchman continues to impress, showcasing his excellent passing range and ability to win the ball back. He controlled the tempo of the game and played a pivotal role in midfield.
- Eduardo Camavinga (8.0): Camavinga was a whirlwind of energy and dynamism. He was a threat going forward, providing some dangerous passes and runs, and showed his defensive quality as well.
- Federico Valverde (8.0): Valverde was a force of nature, providing energy and drive to the midfield. He made a crucial interception and was involved in the buildup for the first goal.
- Vinicius Junior (7.5): Vinicius was electric as always, dribbling past defenders with ease and creating numerous chances. While he didn't get on the scoresheet, he was a constant threat and a real handful for Stuttgart.
- Karim Benzema (8.5): The captain led from the front, scoring a brace and showing his clinical finishing ability. He was involved in the build-up for the other goal and looked sharp and ready for the new season.
- Rodrygo Goes (7.5): Rodrygo played with good intent and was a threat on the right flank. He provided a lovely assist for Benzema's second goal and continued to show his versatility.
Substitutes:
- Luka Modric (7.0): Modric came on in the second half and brought his usual calmness and control to the game. He dictated the tempo and helped Real Madrid maintain their dominance.
- Joselu (6.5): Joselu made a positive impact after coming on as a substitute, working hard and holding the ball well. He provided a good outlet for the team.
- Nacho (6.5): Nacho came on to add defensive solidity and experience. He played confidently and made a couple of key tackles.
- Jude Bellingham (7.5): The new signing looked impressive during his brief cameo, showing glimpses of his quality and creativity.
Overall:
Despite the comfortable win, Real Madrid didn't look particularly sharp or cohesive. They struggled to break down a stubborn Stuttgart defense, and their passing was often lacking. However, they showcased enough individual brilliance and a positive winning mentality to suggest they are on the right track. The pre-season is about building fitness and team cohesion, and this game served as a good test for Real Madrid.
Key Takeaways:
- Benzema looks sharp and ready: The captain continues to be a crucial player for Real Madrid and his goalscoring ability remains undimmed.
- Camavinga and Tchouameni are a promising midfield duo: Their energy and dynamism are a positive addition to the Real Madrid midfield.
- New signings show promise: Bellingham's brief appearance was encouraging and shows he has the potential to be a valuable addition.
Real Madrid's next pre-season test will be against Manchester United, where they will face a tougher test and have a chance to fine-tune their performance before the start of the season.
