Defenders
Dani Carvajal 7/10
Dani Carvajal quietly had a pretty good game. He was consistently making himself available for a switch of play and sent early crosses in hopes to get Valencia defenders out. While some of his crosses were dangerous, many lacked quality and left Madridistas with much to be desired.
He was also competent back in defense. He put in an important block to deny Maxi Gomez a goal and had a total of three blocks in the game.
Sergio Ramos 8/10
Sergio Ramos was as always ‘Captain dependable.’ He was solid at the back and did not let anything pass him. He did well to keep Valencia attackers at bay. He also won the ball that started the sequence that ended in Los Blancos’ first goal.
Ramos won a game-high four aerial duels and also completed four interceptions. On his day, there is no one better than the Merengues captain in defense.
Raphael Varane 7/10
Raphael Varane’s partnership with Ramos is an envy for the world of football. The duo performs at a high level with such consistency that it is hard to find in any other center back two.
The French World Cup winner kept things clean and simple at the back. Unlike his more flashy partner, Varane just did his task as required and helped Los Blancos keep a clean sheet.
Ferland Mendy – 7.5/10
Ferland Mendy has been a revelation this season for Los Blancos. He is defensively strong, and his superb performances have kept Marcelo out of the first team for many games. The game against Valencia was no different. Nothing got past the former Lyon left-back.
He also proved himself to be no slouch in attack when he dribbled past Daniel Wass to assist Asensio for Real Madrid’s second goal. If he continues to improve his offensive game, he will no doubt be one of the best left-backs in the game.