CM Toni Kroos
The metronomic midfielder was solid again. Toni Kroos did not have his most spectacular day at the office vs. Valencia, but the Bats could do little to trouble the German on this day. He completed about 95 percent of his 99 pass attempts, including 12 of 14 long balls. Kroos had some nice pick-outs for the right-sided players of the formation, doing well to make sure Real Madrid kept their width offensively and shape defensively. A leader on the pitch, Kroos did the little things well.
Rating: 7.0
DM Casemiro
Real Madrid looked a little desperate defensively at times after Casemiro left, ceding control when the booked defensive midfielder made way. Casemiro drew the penalty for the opening goal, brilliantly anticipating the pass for an interception before charging into the box himself. Cynically, you could praise him for going to ground at the exact moment he was about to lose the ball, maximizing his chances of getting the penalty. Case completed 90 percent of his passes, drew four fouls, and recorded three interceptions and three clearances on defense.
Rating: 7.5
CM Luka Modric
Another standing ovation was given to Luka Modric by the Bernabeu faithful on LaLiga’s 20th Matchday. Modric was the saving grace in the outfield against Getafe, and he continued his blistering start to 2022 with a just-as-good performance at the White House on Saturday night. Modric was all over the pitch, majestically controlling the midfield with his accurate and progressive passing. The Croatian recorded three key passes to tie Mendy and Kroos for the team lead, and he was so unlucky not to have scored as his left-footed shot smacked the underside of the crossbar.
Rating: 8.0