Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad Player Ratings: Eden Hazard is magical

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MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 23: Luka Modric of Real Madrid celebrates 3-1 during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid v Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu on November 23, 2019 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

CM Casemiro

The Brazilian center midfielder, as per WhoScored.com, recorded four more tackles in this game. He had a tough assignment against Martin Odegaard, who was as sensational as he’s been all season. Still, this was another positive, hard-working display from Casemiro, who is the best defensive midfielder in the world right now.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

CM Fede Valverde

Although Fede Valverde started the game slowly, he finished with his second outside-the-box goal in his last two games and also added a pair of key passes. Valverde’s engine never stops, and he remains a crucial part of this Real Madrid side.

Rating: 7.0 out of 10

CM Luka Modric

What an exceptional performance from Luka Modric. He received criticism from fans for a slow start to the game, which included lackluster passing, low-energy movement, and shoddy defending. But by the end of the game, Modric was arguably the best player on the pitch, finishing the contest with two assists and a goal.

Taking this game and his last game against Eibar into consideration, Modric is back to being at his best, which is to say he’s back to being one of the best center midfielders in the world. Modric’s goal was a touch of class, as he scored off a slick volley to finish a deadly team move started by Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.

Modric’s assist for Benzema’s goal was the result of a perfect free kick, which his hard work on the touchline won. And his second assist for Valverde stemmed from a delicate first touch.

Most impressively, Modric never stopped working hard and running, giving his all for the team. It looks like resting Toni Kroos before PSG was the right move after all. It’s great to see Modric playing this well, and his crucial intervention on Odegaard will also be remembered fondly by fans in the Bernabeu stands.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10

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