Real Madrid: Where the players stand after the Group Stage

Spain

La Roja, the country with the highest number of Real Madrid, this though happens quite often. More often than not the Spanish national team has several players from Los Blancos. This years edition of the World Cup boasts 6 players from Real.

Spain has progressed to the Round of 16, but it wasn’t as easy as many had expected. A day before the start of the World Cup, the Spanish FA elected to sack then Manager Julen Lopotegui for being “unprofessional”. The FA saw his singing with Real Madrid to take over after the World Cup as manager to be a misconduct, therefore, releasing him from his duties.

After playing their third and final game against Morroco, Spain finished top of the group with five points, tied with Portugal. Spain earned the top spot having scored one goal more than second-place finishers Portugal. Over the course of the group stage, they would win only one game and draw 2. Spain will play Russia in the Round of 16. Now, here’s a look at each players contribution thus far. Stats are shared only for players who’ve had at least 90 minutes of game time.

Sergio Ramos

Not only is he the Capitan at Real Madrid but the center-back has proven his leadership over the years earning the same right with the national team. Ramos has remained a constant calming factor for his side while leading the back line.

Through all the turmoil the team faced Ramos held the group together ensuring a united front. More importantly, his impact on the pitch is something that Spain cannot replace just yet. The 32-year-old has been solid in warding off his opponent’s attack. Ramos has had an easy time keeping De Gea worry-free as his side has controlled an average of 73.3% of the possession.

Notable Stats:

• 6 tackles
• 346 touches
• 324 passes
• Average 94.6% PA (pass accuracy)
• 24/30 long balls completed – 80%

Isco

Isco is a player who thoroughly enjoys his time with his national team as he is usually given the start. The attacking midfielder has caused mayhem for his opponents and the proof has been in the pudding, in this case, the numbers.

His free-flowing attacking style has been a great asset to his team who have struggled to put the final piece of the puzzle together. Isco’s work rate has been phenomenal having not missed a single minute of the World Cup thus far. Neat passing and skill moves have allowed him to pick apart his opponent’s defense with ease.

The Spaniard has earned himself two Man of the Match performances in just three games.

Notable Stats:

• 1 goal
• 2 MOTM performances
• 14 dribbles
• Dispossessed only 5 times
• 389 touches
• 297 passes
• Average 92.9% PA (pass accuracy)

Dani Carvajal

Dani hasn’t had the easiest of times leading up to the World Cup having being substituted off the pitch in the UCL Final on June 3. With just 12 days before Spain’s first match, Carvajal worked tirelessly to reach match fitness. Julen elected to keep him as part of the squad having faith that we would be fit.

The right-back got working on getting better with Real Madrid and continued the process with La Roja. His hard work would pay off as he would play the second and third game of the group stage. On the pitch, it was hard to tell that he’d just come back from an injury.

It will be interesting if Spain Manager Hierro opts to play both Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez together on the right side. Both have a great understanding of one another’s play and decision making as Zidane used this pairing a number of times last season.

Notable Stats:

• 1 assist
• 165 touches
• 112 passes
• 5 key passes
• 7/9 long balls completed 77% accuracy

Nacho

With Dani Carvajal injured for the first match, Hierro learned from Zidane and slotted in Mr. Utility, Nacho Fernandez.  Of course, Nacho wouldn’t want his teammate to be injured but it was realistically his best shot at being given playing time.

Nacho played the first game of the World Cup which was against Portugal. The game ended in a 3-3 draw with the defender getting in on the goal fest. This is arguably one of the best goals of the World Cup thus far, you’ll watch this again and again.

Notable Stats:

• 1 goal
• 5 tackles
• 2 interceptions
• 74 touches
• 47 passes
• 93.6% PA (pass accuracy)

Lucas Vazquez

Lucas’ super-sub status has carried over from his club to his national team. He has played just 83 minutes thus far starting just one of the three group stage games. Realistically though, Lucas probably won’t be a starter as the tournament progress with stakes increasing.

While he is a fine player in his own right there is a player who is better suited to the system and more impactful. Due to limited minutes, it’s been hard for the winger to get into any sort of groove. But, that’s not to say that Hierro could change that, while other players may be technically more sound, they don’t have a connection with other Madrid players.

Next: Arsenal look to lure away Lucas Vazquez with wage increase

Marco Asensio

Spain’s future golden boy isn’t having the easiest time with the national team thus far, much like his time at Real Madrid. Fortunately, Asensio has a good head on him and understands his place and role in the squad. While he would like to play more, patience from Marco will be important. Just like at Madrid he knows he will get the green light when it’s time.

It’s rumored that in the first knockout match that will be played on Sunday against Russia, Asensio will replace Andre Silva. Marco will be looking to have a big game performance with the whole world watching. Don’t be surprised if Florentino Perez’s phone rings non-stop after Sunday.