Real Madrid dropped more points in the early exchanges of La Liga following a 1-1 home draw against Levante. Here are the ratings for the players who took part in this game.
With a few injuries and rotations, many would have expected this game to have been a foregone conclusion considering the gulf in quality between the sides. The game proved to be a frustrating affair from the first whistle to the last. This result is the first time since 2007 that Real have failed to beat a newly promoted side – the last team to avoid a defeat that was newly promoted? Levante. Let’s break down some individual performances by looking at the player ratings from this match.
Kiko Casilla – 4/10:
This was the first start for Real Madrid’s backup goalkeeper, Kiko Casilla in 160 days. Despite the initial goal not being his fault, his performance did little to really ensure the faith of those in attendance and also spectating the game.
Despite making the occasional good save, Casilla also made mistakes – the worst being when he decided to dart out of his area only to fail in his objective and be saved by some tough defending from Nacho Fernandez. It may be concerning for some of the Madrid faithful that Casilla is the main backup option for Keylor Navas as Casilla does not look like a player fitting of Real Madrid.
Dani Carvajal – 6/10:
Dani Carvajal certainly had a mixed afternoon. He was given the brunt of the blame when Madrid conceded the first goal of the game with Carvajal failing to close his man down and getting spun by the Levante attacker who went on to score.
Elsewhere throughout the game, Carvajal put in some solid moments both defensively and offensively. He was also given a foolish yellow card after getting into an unnecessary tussle. His up and down performance shouldn’t be too much of a concern as he has been solid since the start of this campaign. Look for him to bounce back to his usual standard in the coming games.
Nacho Fernandez – 7/10:
Nacho had a solid game with little to critique. He was defensively sound and also contributed some good passes going forward and gave up next to nothing in the way of chances for Levante.
He was composed with all threats that came his way. Alongside Ramos, he was one of the brighter showings for Madrid in this game.
Sergio Ramos – 7.5/10
Like his partner for this game, Ramos put in a solid effort throughout this game. He offered plenty going backwards and forwards. He kept anything that came at him at bay and also attacked with intent whilst also playing some good passes going forward.
He was also a threat from dead ball scenarios during the game, his threat in these positions is what led to the equaliser for Real Madrid. Despite getting a foolish yellow – Ramos played well in this game.
Marcelo – 2/10
It was a strange game for Real Madrid’s Brazilian left back. He put in a decent performance both offensively and defensively, though it was clear to see that his interchange system with Theo Hernandez was both diffcult for both players and awkward for them.
A few times throughout the game they both seemed to stepping on each others toes and getting in one anothers way. Marcelo who was looking to be one of Madrid’s better performers saw his luck completely change.
Marcelo was shown a red card following a foolish kickout at a Levante player. His straight red card means he is likely to be out for a few games. When you consider Real’s recent history with suspensions, this was no easy blow for the supporters. Marcelo’s foolish actions now leaves Zidane with another problem to deal with for the coming games and for that Marcelo sees his rating slammed down.
Toni Kroos – 7.5/10:
Kroos was one of the best performers on the field for this game alongside Sergio Ramos. The German pass master was all over the midfield, spraying passes across the pitch and creating chances. He also contributed going backward where he broke up the play on occasion.
Despite some efforts from outside the box including one which hit the woodwork in the final 90 seconds – Kroos could not prevent the draw. A frustrating game for the German, however he has nothing to be ashamed of with his performance.
Marcos Llorente – 5/10:
This game seemed to pass Llorente by; despite some good tracking and composed passing, the young Spanish talent seemed a little lost in the game. He was unable to form much of a partnership with Toni Kroos. The duo were often spread at a distance and this left a large gap in midfield.
His slightly hesitant mindset in this game may be a confidence issue or a lack of game time. Regardless, Llorente will need to look at addressing the issue as fast as he can if he wants to continue to be a part of the rotation plans.
Marco Asensio – 5/10:
This was a game to forget for Asensio. Despite showing some flashes of brilliance – the wonderkid offered little in this match.
Passmap shows what the eye already knows: Bale and Asensio were disconnected from the rest of the team today. https://t.co/7LdKgt7lBk
— The Real Champs (@TheRealChampsFS) September 9, 2017
Playing in a number ten role, he often found himself alone in midfield looking for somebody to link up with. He was largely anonymous for much of the game and offered little of note.
Lucas Vázquez – 7.5/10:
Vázquez was another one of the brighter showings for Real in this draw. His tireless runs and constant threat across the field was admirable. Especially after the team went 1-0 down.
His trickery outwide and charges into the box paid off when he was given a simple tap-in to level the game for his side. It was an all round decent performance from the wide player.
Theo Hernandez – 5.5/10
Theo Hernandez was another player who gave a performance that was very up and down. His interchange with Marcelo left plenty to be desired with the flow of the Madrid attack suffering at the awkwardness of the tactical ploy.
Theo galloped forward a number of times though his crosses were below the expected standard and he often gave the possession away which stalled a few attacks. Theo is still young and will only improve in time though this was not a great performance from the young fullback.
Karim Benzema – 6/10:
It’s hard to consider how well Benzema played in this game as his performance was cut dramatically short by an injury which could see him miss out a month of action. The Frenchman appeared lively, passing off a great chance to Asensio early on. Here’s to hoping this injury isn’t a long term one.
Substitutes:
Gareth Bale – 3/10:
The Welshman put in a very frustrating performance. Despite showing some good movement to create space and chances, Bale could have easily won the game for the team had he been competent in his finishing.
He fluffed some very simple chances which will not help appease the whistling fans who are currently on his back. Bale really needs to improve dramatically if he is going to win anyone over this season.
Isco – 7/10:
Isco once again made a dramatic difference to the team when he came on. His first touch almost set up a goal for Marco Asensio and his all round game certainly disrupted Levante’s backline.
His constant drive and tricks created a few openings which his team could not convert – Isco likely should have started this game over Theo Hernandez out wide.
Mateo Kovacic – 6/10:
Kovacic is certainly a fan favourite though his introduction in this game bought about very little change. His usual dynamic style was nonexistent in his short cameo in the game.
He spent much of the game in search of the ball which he did not see much of. His influence in this game in turn was essentially nil.
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