Real Madrid Player Ratings vs. Sevilla: Casemiro dominates the midfield

Real Madrid returns to La Liga with an away match to Sevilla. Here’s a look at the player ratings from the 1-0 win.

After last weeks pounding in the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid channelled their frustrations well. Zinedine Zidane was slaughtered by the media and fans for Los Blancos’ lacklustre performance in the midweek but that all changed come Sunday.

The Frenchman got his tactics right against Sevilla, a side that can never be taken lightly. To make his task even more difficult he faced off against Julen Lopetegui – the man who took his position after stepping down two summers ago.

Real Madrid’s work rate is what won them this game. Everyone pressed quickly and efficiently, making it difficult for Sevilla to string up several passes together. When they did, the backline was ready and extinguished any threat made towards the goal.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois – 6

Not a low score for his performance but he didn’t have much to do in this game. With the defence doing their duty, Courtois didn’t face a single shot on target. That being said this is the first clean sheet Real Madrid has kept at the Sanchez Pizjuan in 17 years.

Dani Carvajal – 7.5

Still, haven’t seen Carvajal back at his best going either way but today was surely a step in the right direction. In the first half, the right-back missed a 1-v-1 opportunity and struggled at keeping loanee Sergio Reguilon at bay. The second half was clearly better for him as he picked up the assist with a sweet chip pass at the goal line for Karim Benzema’s header.

Sergio Ramos – 8.5

This team is noticeably different with Ramos in the backline and it’s scary to compare just how much they struggle in his absence. His leadership was missed in Paris and was needed against Sevilla. Once again booed at the Sanchez Pizjuan, Ramos still carried out his duties with two tackles and six interceptions.

Raphael Varane – 8

Standing tall next to the Captian, the centreback did anything and everything necessary to make it an easy night for Courtois. WIth nine clearances and one interception, its no wonder Sevilla was unable to get a shot on target. As always he looked strong and confident playing the ball out of the back.

Ferland Mendy – 8

Stepping in for the injured Marcelo once again, Mendy’s price tag is starting to look like quite the bargain with every passing match. With three tackles and two interceptions, the left-back closed down quickly. Mendy quickly moved the ball to Eden Hazard to help create an attack, and while it isn’t as progressive as Marcelo, the defensive discipline is certainly a breath of fresh air.

Midfield

Casemiro – 9

Casemiro has been a staple for Zidane, and today’s match exemplified why that is. The Brazilian didn’t miss a beat against Sevilla and ensured that his opponents were unable to find a rhythm of their own.  The defensive midfielder lead his team with four tackles on the night and distributed the ball in a composed fashion. When it came to the quick press tactic deployed by Zidane, everyone was following Casemiro’s example.

Toni Kroos – 7

It was a standard performance from Toni Kroos, just what you would expect. He worked hard, passed the ball with 82.1% accuracy, lower than the numbers we have become accustomed to.

James Rodriguez – 7

James Rodriguez said he wants to shine for Madrid and the Colombian has most certainly been doing just that. With options in the midfield low, having him back with Real is exactly what this side needed. His creativity and vision on the ball give Madrid an edge that they most certainly need.

Attack

Eden Hazard – 6.5

Hazard looks to still be trying to find his footing with Real Madrid and today’s performance showed he’s on the right track and his brilliance is not too far away. He struggled to impose himself in the first half, but the second 45 was quite different. As the time ticked on, Hazard posed more of a threat to Sevilla and linking up with his teammates.

Karim Benzema – 8.5

Benzema seems to be having a brilliant season once again. Still drawing lots of criticism from fans, the Frenchman has been getting it done for Real Madrid. His headed effort against Sevilla has him at five goals this season in league play.

Gareth Bale – 7

Gareth Bale put in quite a shift as he dealt with the pestering Sergio Reguilon. The Welshman wasn’t as clinical as can be in front of goal but drew defenders in allowing his teammates to run into space. He was all business on the pitch though tracking back to help his side hold on to the advantage.

Substitutes

Federico Valverde – 6

Fede came on for James Rodriguez in the 65th minute and put in a good shift. He closed down players well, made a few interceptions passed the ball well.

Lucas Vazquez – N/A

Substituted on in the 88th minute.

Conclusion

This was the bounce-back performance Real Madrid needed so desperately. With Atletico Madrid and Barcelona dropping points in the same matchweek, Madrid needed to capatilise and they did just that.

Beating Sevilla is no small feat, especially at home, something Real Madrid haven’t been able to do in four years. It’s also been 17 long years since Los Blancos have kept a clean sheet at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

With three points in hand, Real Madrid sit cozily in second place in league standings just shy of Athletic Bilbao with goal difference the only thing separating the two. It’s a short turnaround for Real who will be back on the pitch in three days for Matchday 6. Madrid will face Osasuna, who have just one win so far this season conceding just three goals and sit in 10th place.