Real Madrid: 3 takeaways from a frantic draw with Real Sociedad

Young players make a difference

There are plenty of negatives to discuss whenever Real Madrid drop points, but let’s focus on some more positives. Namely, the young players who can make a difference for Los Merengues in 2020-2021 and beyond.

The second half of this match at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano saw the returns of two crucial players to Real Madrid over the long term and short term, Fede Valverde and Rodrygo Goes. Both men came off the bench and offered a real spark to Los Merengues that was lacking immediately after the half-time restart.

Rodrygo had some nice moves on the ball and looked like the team’s best overall winger, which might actually be the case.

Meanwhile, Fede had a world-class backheel that would make Luka Modric proud, and this pass started the move that led to Vinicius Junior’s game-saving assist from Lucas Vazquez’s cross into the heart of the box.

The returns of Valverde and Rodrygo could not have come at a better time with a must-win match against Atletico Madrid coming up this weekend and the Champions League Round of 16 second leg looming later in March.

Valverde has been one of Real’s best overall players since the start of the 2019-2020 season, while Rodrygo is a clear starter in Real’s best front three. It’s great to have them back.