Real Madrid: Three takeaways from the FIFA Club World Cup final

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 22: Marcos Llorente of Real Madrid celebrates scoring a goal to make it 2-0 during the FIFA Club World Cup UAE final match between Real Madrid and Al Ain at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) /

Marcos Llorente has not put a foot wrong

Since Casemiro was injured in Real Madrid’s win over Celta Vigo in early November, Marcos Llorente has been tasked with filling in for the world-class defensive midfielder.

After starting in seven consecutive matches, I can say without a shred of a doubt that the talented Spaniard has not put a foot wrong. He has been anything but a youngster over the last month as he has been commanding in the midfield.

One of the best traits Marcos posses is discipline. He never over commits to a tackle or leaves his position. Thanks to his defensive skills, Dani Carvajal and Marcelo have more freedom to move up the pitch since Llorente has the pace and awareness to cover the flanks.

While Marcos has been busy doing the dirty work that usually doesn’t get a ton of attention, he stepped up in the second half today and scored his first senior team goal for Real Madrid with a stunning volley from outside the box.

WHAT A FINISH MARCOS LLORENTE! 🔥

And what a way to score your first ever Real Madrid goal 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/VXh3Twi22a
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 22, 2018

The more and more he plays, the more and more he resembles Casemiro in the middle of the park. This goal against Al Ain looked very, very similar to the one Casemiro bagged in the Champions League final in 2017 against Juventus.

The number 14 for Real should keep his eyes peeled as he could be tested for the starting position based off of the way Llorente has responded to Santiago Solari’s game plan.

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