Real Madrid: Ranking the top 5 players at October break

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PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 18: Ferland Mendy of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint Germain v Real Madrid at the Parc des Princes on September 18, 2019 in Paris France (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

LB Ferland Mendy

There aren’t many fullbacks in the world who are as good defensively as Ferland Mendy, whose absence over the past couple of weeks has hurt Real Madrid. Mendy has put in a few brilliant performances already this season, including a statement-making display early in the season against Villarreal and their rising star Samuel Chukwueze.

He had a strong performance against an even tougher team in Sevilla, shutting down Argentina star Lucas Ocampos on the opposition’s right flank. Mendy’s tireless running and intelligent positioning make him a menace for opposing attackers, who find it nearly impossible to dribble past the France international.

According to WhoScored.com, Mendy leads the team with a whopping 3.5 tackles per game, and he’s also shown off his ability to read the game defensively by averaging two interceptions per contest. Only veteran starters Casemiro and Dani Carvajal are averaging more interceptions per game than the former Lyon star.

Mendy has shown that he is the best overall left back on the roster, as his defending is simply immense. While Marcelo has also quietly enjoyed a strong season, including an inspired second-half comeback effort as a substitute against Club Brugge, Mendy’s defending will be critical for Real Madrid over the long haul.

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