Real Madrid Player Ratings: Luka Jovic makes a statement in 2-0 win at Real Sociedad

It seemed like Real Madrid were in serious trouble against one of La Liga’s other title contenders. After barely surviving with three points against both Sevilla and Athletic Club, Madrid were once again being exposed defensively and overrun by Real Sociedad in front of a fired-up La Real fanbase at the Anoeta. And to make matters worse, all-important striker Karim Benzema left the pitch in the 17th minute with an injury, as young striker Luka Jovic struggled to fill the void in the first half.

However, Real Madrid stayed in the game with some tremendous defending, specifically from Eder Militao, who has been wonderful all season long. Then, when the second half started, Los Blancos immediately turned up the heat. Jovic was a changed man after the break, assisting Vinicius Junior and scoring on his own.

Los Merengues would hold on, winning this tough road match 2-0. Here are the player ratings.

GK Thibaut Courtois

After carrying the team to wins over Sevilla and Athletic Club, the world-class goalkeeper did not have as much to do against La Real. In fact, Courtois did not have to make a save. He did, however, make some big claims in the air and looked solid on the ball against the opposition’s pressure.

Rating: 6.5

LB Ferland Mendy

Ferland Mendy completed about 95 percent of his passes in another typical performance for the Frenchman. He was quiet, effective defensively, but not really helpful offensively. Against top Champions League teams, you just wonder if Mendy’s technical issues will hurt Los Blancos.

Rating: 6.0

CB David Alaba

David Alaba is a rock a the back for Real Madrid, and he did a great job of helping Eder Militao completely mark Alexander Isak, Alexander Sorloth, and the world-class Mikel Oyarzabal out of the game. Alaba was the leader in central defense, tracking runs and maintaining the organization.

Rating: 7.5

CB Eder Militao

This was perhaps one of the best individual performances of the 2021-2022 season by any Real Madrid player – or any defender in Europe’s top five leagues for that matter. Eder Militao was simply sublime at the Anoeta, coming of age as a world-class center back with this performance. Against one of the best forward lines in Europe, Militao was impeccable. He won five tackles, dominated in the air, and had no qualms with playing out of pressure. Militao is such an underrated passer, because he can create counterattacks from nothing after immediately winning the ball back. Please re-watch this game and just focus on Militao, if you can. He put on a defensive clinic.

Rating 10

RB Dani Carvajal

With two tackles, an interception, three clearances, and a pass completion percentage a few ticks over 96, Dani Carvajal delivered a quietly solid performance on the right side of the Real Madrid defense. In this game, his defensive work was far more important to Los Blancos than his attacking runs, and he knew the assignment. Madridistas have been begging for consistency from the world-class right back, and this was another helpful performance.

Rating: 7.0