Real Madrid: Three breakout players from the 2019-2020 season
Ferland Mendy
Much like Federico Valverde, Ferland Mendy is the man who stuck to it and fought tooth and nail for what he wanted. Those before couldn’t quite hack it and were sent off to other clubs on loans, but after much hype since arriving last summer, Mendy has improved his game tenfold.
The left-back went from an all show and no go, to a refined wing-back whose mind caught up with his legs. Far too often earlier in the season, Mendy would lose possession in the most ominous ways, under no immediate threat or pressure from the opposing side. As time progressed, he gained confidence and a solid relationship with those on his flank. Dare I say, even showing some resemblance of Marcelo.
Again, like Valverde, Mendy capitalized on the absence of a veteran player. A position that was once a cause for concern may turn into a fierce competition amongst teammates comes the fall.
Next. Iker Casillas is returning to work with Florentino Perez. dark
Mendy’s game is coming together slowly but surely and you don’t have to look far for great examples. Individually, he obliterated the netting earlier this week against Granada to score his first with the club. You also can’t forget his assist to Karim Benzema which helped topple Atletico Madrid in February for a crucial three points.
The future of Madrid is here and Zinedine Zidane has done an excellent job accelerating that process with options that other clubs can only dream of having.