Real Madrid had a number of standout performers in their 3-1 win over Real Sociedad, but don’t overlook the role Ferland Mendy played in the victory.
If it weren’t for a shocking, uncharacteristic error on a back-pass from Sergio Ramos in the second minute, Real Madrid would have sewed up their sixth straight clean sheet. Instead, they had to “settle” for a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Matchday 14, grabbing three more points to stick with FC Barcelona in the title race. Though, based on their recent performances, Real have looked a cut above Barca this season.
A large part of Real’s impressive performances have come down to the defense. Ramos and Raphael Varane have been a wall at the center back positions, which is typical for them. Thibaut Courtois has recently upped his game in goal, returning to his status as a world-class keeper.
But one player who shouldn’t be overlooked is left back Ferland Mendy. When the season started, fans were wondering how Zinedine Zidane would juggle playing both Mendy and Marcelo, who are excellent left backs in their own right but are at completely different stages of their careers with totally different skill-sets.
While Marcelo has been effective this season and is the preferred option when Real need a creative outlet to join the attack, Mendy has been more vital. He has stepped up for Madrid in their biggest games, memorably hanging with rising Sevilla star Lucas Ocampos in Los Blancos’ crucial 1-0 late September victory at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
And on Saturday against Sociedad, Mendy was exceptional. He – not Martin Odegaard, despite his own impressive display – was the best player in the first half. Mendy completely took Portu out of the game on Sociedad’s right side, strangling the options Odegaard had available.
Offensively, Mendy looked at his best this season. He’s quietly been capable on that front, making steady improvements on a month-to-month basis. Compare what Mendy did offensively in September to his performance against Sociedad, and you’ll see a player who has found confidence in his attacking game.
Mendy’s positioning and intelligence off the ball make him an elite defensive fullback, but those same intangibles make him dangerous in the attack when linking up with Eden Hazard or others. But what was missing was the confidence. Mendy would be in the right positions; he would just fail with his first touch or slightly get his execution wrong.
On Saturday, there were no such mistakes from Mendy, who even tested Sociedad’s goal with a weak-footed effort from beyond the goal. Even Marcelo, whose longshots regularly scare defenses, would have been proud of Mendy’s initiative.
Mendy has been quality all season long, but, lately, he’s turned his game up to another level. The former Lyon star is a huge part of Real Madrid’s success, and as Los Blancos head into their pivotal home clash against PSG, fans around Europe must keep their eyes on the 24-year-old left back who is making some noise for one of the world’s most powerful clubs.