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

LW Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior scored Real Madrid’s opening goal after some great combination play with striker Luka Jovic, and he was a threat throughout the night. Real Sociedad, like so many other teams, just could not cope with Vini. They constantly had to resort to fouling him, and there were times where he would just blow by an attempted tactical foul like it was nothing. Vinicius had four shots on target, four dribbles completed, and three fouls drawn at the Anoeta. He is the outstanding player on the pitch from an attacking perspective in just about every recent match for Madrid. With Karim Benzema out, Madridistas actually do not have to fear, because Vini is ‘the guy’. And don’t forget, this guy defends with his heart and soul. He had one tackle in midfield that was executed with the precision of a top central defender.

Rating: 8.0

ST Luka Jovic

Real Madrid fans had serious doubts about Luka Jovic after a horrible first-half performance in which the striker looked lethargic and, quite frankly, lost. It was almost as if the player, who has world-class potential, did not want the ball at all. It turns out Jovic just needed half-time to get reset after being thrown into a match, having not played a real role in this Madrid side for a long time. Jovic immediately responded in the second half with a target man’s dream of an assist for Vini and a poacher’s dream of a diving headed goal to seal the match 2-0 for his team. Jovic looked a lot more lively than in past matches, constantly drifting wide, looking to support teammates under pressure, and holding off defenders in a facilitative manner. Madridistas should be quietly excited for what he can do going forward with more momentum, and they should not panic if Benzema is out against Inter.

Rating: 8.0

RW Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo Goes was quiet against Real Sociedad, but the 20-year-old was not ineffective. He completed three dribbles and did a LOT of defending, which was necessary against the likes of Oyarzabal. Rodrygo is very unselfish and in this match, he deserves credit for being willing to help out so much defensively against a La Real side that is among the most dangerous in Spain when it comes to scoring goals. Attackers don’t usually get credit in clean sheets, but Rodrygo, who had two tackles and an interception, should.

Rating: 6.5