Real Madrid Mid-Season Report Card for 2021-2022: Vinicius Jr. among three A-plus players

Real Madrid take in some much-needed rest during the Christmas break as they find themselves Winter Champions of La Liga with eight points separating them second-placed Sevilla and 17 points between them and current holders Atletico Madrid although both of them have a game-in-hand. In addition, the team was able to grab first place in their UEFA Champions League group and await their match in February which will take place against Paris Saint-Germain.

With 25 games played so far (19 in the league and 6 in the UEFA Champions League), Carlo Ancelotti has had to use the majority of his squad over the course of the season so far and even though some were used a lot more than others, most players were given their chance to shine. How did they do? What was their strong point and how could they improve?

The grading was done for every player but an actual letter grade was given to players who have completed at least 360 minutes – which is the equivalent of four full matches.

Goalkeepers

Thibaut Courtois – A+

It’s quite simple: If Thibaut Courtois wasn’t there to make the decisive saves that only he can, then Real Madrid wouldn’t be top of the table. As the season wore on, it seemed as though the Belgian was given an impossible save at least once a game, and more often than not, it was him who came out victorious.

Andriy Lunin – N/A

With no appearances so far during this season, Andriy Lunin cannot be graded. However, his time will come presumably during the Copa del Rey and he will need to show that he has what it takes to be the second choice goalkeeper at Real Madrid.