Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Real Sociedad

Real Madrid LB Ferland Mendy

Ferland Mendy is arguably the best defensive fullback in world football. According to WhoScored.com, Mendy was dribbled past just 0.2 times per game in the 2019-2020 La Liga season, one year after he was dribbled past 0.1 times per game in Ligue 1. Mendy also added 1.3 tackles per game for the Whites’ defense.

So Portu and Real Sociedad will have difficulty getting past the left back, who is truly a wall. Even Lucas Ocampos had trouble with him last season, and Ocampos is the trickiest customer on the right wing outside of Lionel Messi.

Mendy’s defensive work will be tough for Real Sociedad to cope with, but Real Madrid should also be high on the way he can support the attack. His goal against Granada may have been a sign of things to come, and fans also fondly remember his assist for Karim Benzema in the most recent “Derbi” against Atletico Madrid.

If Mendy can supply good passes for Vinicius Junior and service for Karim Benzema, then Sociedad could be in for another rough game defensively. Their defense is a major weakness, and it’s one the fullbacks of Real Madrid can help exploit on Sunday. Mendy is always a good oultet for the other attacking players in support.