Real Madrid: 3 takeaways from a 3-1 win over Eibar

Ferland Mendy quietly dazzles for Real Madrid

After bursting onto the scene as the clear-cut starter for Real Madrid in his first season from Lyon, Ferland Mendy has only proven why he is the man for the job in 2020-2021. But if there has been one criticism of Mendy, it’s that his passing range in the final third hinders the team’s chance-creation, such as when he is slow to put the ball in the box or overhits something between a shot and a cross.

Mendy was at his best in the attack against Eibar, and it was perhaps his best overall attacking performance of the season. He had a brilliant cross for Lucas Vazquez into the six-yard box that probably should have been finished for a goal, and he had another great cut-back for Rodrygo that was deflected.

In his own half, Mendy shined as a passer, too, completed two nutmeg passes. Bonus points to anyone who can find those ‘megs.

Defensively, Mendy, of course, found a way to stand out, as that’s his calling card and why he is regarded as one of the world’s best left backs. Mendy saved a goal on a massive breakaway opportunity for Eibar, using his pace and sheer determination to catch up to the attacker before timing his tackle perfectly. And not just that, but his tackle was cleared perfectly out of bounds so that there was no additional risk.

Mendy has been a blessing for Real Madrid since he signed in the summer of 2019, and his excellence should not be overlooked. He and Dani Carvajal shined in a game win which Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos were surprisingly questionable.