Real Madrid Player Ratings for January as Vinicius Jr., Luka Modric stand out in tricky month

RW/Free Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard assisted Marco Asensio’s goal against Alcoyano and then scored the winner against Elche to take Real Madrid into the semifinals of the Copa del Rey. He continued his good form into the league game against Elche. Although he wasn’t at his best on the wings, once he got his license from Carlo Ancelotti and shifted as a second striker behind Luka Jovic, Hazard was central to a lot of good things for Real Madrid. I hope the Belgian can build on these sparks and continue contributing.

Rating: 6.5

RW Marco Asensio

Asensio did what no other Real Madrid forward could do against Alcoyano, he scored the goal that would put Los Blancos in the lead. His placed finish was deflected in and it was a clutch moment from the Spaniard. He built on this confidence into delivering his most complete performance of the season against Valencia. He was a constant threat to the bats, winning free kicks, takings shots, and creating chances. And, just like it is with Asensio that was it for January. He continued struggling for consistency against Barcelona and had a forgettable performance against Getafe in the beginning. He picked up an injury before the final of the Supercup and has been sidelined since.

Rating: 5.5

RW/LW Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo Goes started his New Year on Real Madrid’s elite left flank in absence of Vinicius Jr. and it is safe to say that he blew a great opportunity. He was the best among the starting forwards against Alcoyano but still couldn’t deliver an impact other than delivering the corner which Militao headed in. He continued his assisting form into the trip to Saudi Arabia. Rodrygo was one of the unsung heroes behind Real Madrid’s first title win of the season getting the assists for both, the winner against Barcelona and the opener against Athletic Club. However, he took another step back against Elche in the Copa del Rey and lost his starter’s position in the last game.

Rating: 6.0

RW Peter Federico

Peter only appeared for five minutes against Getafe and those minutes aren’t enough for me to decide on any rating. He has looked good in flashes and I hope we can see more of the Castilla star.

Rating: N/A

CF Karim Benzema

Real Madrid’s talisman, the on-field captain, and the player that the club is synonymous with right now. Karim Benzema stacked up four goals and an assist in January. He also had his worst performance in quite some time now against Getafe and he also wasn’t at his best against Athletic Club other than dispatching a penalty perfectly.

He dropped a masterclass against Barcelona with a goal and an assist. He scored a brace against Valencia and had an off day against Elche. While he did hop on to chances, he couldn’t find the required finishes and skied a penalty. He later had to be taken off with a muscular problem and that brings every Madridista’s heart in their mouths. We hope the Frenchman knocks it off and comes back before facing the fierce PSG in the Round of 16 in the Champions League.

Rating: 7.0

CF Luka Jovic

Luka Jovic had two big opportunities in January. He started the month infected by COVID. But, the Serbian got his start against Elche in the Copa del Rey, an opportunity he absolutely blew. Ancelotti still kept his trust and brought him on for Benzema in the league game against Elche and yet, the same theme continued. Lethargic in transition, poor in positioning, and the inability to do anything meaningful with the ball. What a frustrating player to watch!

Rating: 3.0

CF Mariano Diaz

Mariano Diaz had only one appearance in the month and that came against Alcoyano when Karim Benzema was rested and Luka Jovic was out with COVID. I had absolutely no idea what Mariano was trying to do on the pitch, neither did he. He played miserably, took on shots when there were better options available, made runs that were impossible to reach, and continued frustrating the fans. Horrible.

Rating: 3.0

LW Vinicius Jr.

If Luka Modric is the month’s best player, Vinicius Jr. was a close second. Vinicius started the month infected by COVID and he scored a brace against Valencia on his return. He continued his sparkling form into the Supercopa campaign scoring the opener against Barcelona. He had a quieter game against Athletic Club and returned home to put that Real Madrid left flank on fire in two back-to-back matches against Elche.

In the Copa game, he was Real Madrid’s best forward putting in consistent work on the left flank with no support. But, in the league game, Vini stepped up big time when Real Madrid lacked inspiration. He took the help of the momentum created by Modric’s converted penalty and pushed the team to attack the opposition’s goal with greater intensity. His work down the left finally found its deserved end product through Militao’s head. What a great player Vini is developing into!

Rating: 8.0