Real Madrid: Grading every midfielder in 2019-2020 thus far

DM Casemiro

Starting with Casemiro makes sense, because the Brazilian defensive midfielder has been arguably the team’s best player in 2019-2020. Real have come to rely on Case at the heart of their midfield, as he sets the tone with his incredible defensive work, supporting the back four in every way he can. Sergio Ramos loves coming forward to support the attack as one of the best goal-scoring center backs in history, so Casemiro’s covering becomes that much more important.

The 28-year-old is in the prime of his career and has clearly established himself as the best player at the position. He led the team with 3.3 tackles per game in La Liga last season, adding in 2.1 interceptions per game. Likewise, he also led the team with 3.1 tackles per game in the Champions League. (Stats via WhoScored.com.)

There are few players more important to Real than Casemiro, and it’s difficult to name a single defensive midfielder who anchors a team better than him.

Grade: A+

CM Fede Valverde

Although Fede Valverde is not a defensive midfielder, he added a ton to Real’s defensive stability in 2019-2020 by providing endless running and covering. Valverde was a major asset in Real’s biggest games, as the club were more likely to produce a clean sheet with him on the pitch.

The Uruguay international was the biggest breakout star for Los Blancos in 2019-2020. Despite only being 21 years old, Valverde shined in the biggest games, producing Man of the Match displays against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Supercup Final and in La Liga in February, as well as in both Clasicos.

Valverde is a prospect who developed at Real and has overtaken Frenkie de Jong as La Liga’s best young center midfielder. His technical quality is a sight to behold when he starts counters in midfield, and he has an engine that does not stop.

Grade: A