Real Madrid: 4 stars and 2 flops from a disappointing February
Star: LW Vinicius Junior
I am rating Vinicius Junior higher than Karim Benzema this month. In my opinion, Vinicius was the best-attacking player for Real Madrid in February. He started the month in a tired fashion after serving national duty and starting for Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey in a matter of hours after a long flight. In his 55 minutes of play, Vini remained the biggest threat to Athletic’s defense. He was understandably withdrawn from the game without any impact made.
He then returned to form against Villarreal but once again it was without any tangible output. He had a quieter game against PSG in one of the most embarrassing Real Madrid performances of recent times. But, he ended the month on a high note with a goal and an assist in the final two games of the month. While Benzema had better figures of two goals and two assists in the month, we need to remember that one of those goals was a penalty and one assist was for a world-class goal from Asensio.
Vini, on the other hand, deserves his extra marks for the games against Villarreal and Atheltic Club where he kept the attacking threat alive and kept running at defenders tirelessly. It has been a quieter month attack-wise for Real Madrid but I still believe Vini was our best player in the department.
Flop: RW Rodrygo Goes
While one Brazilian winger made it to the stars’ column, the other unfortunately was a flop this month. Rodrygo had huge opportunities coming his way and he bottled all of them. He started the game against Athletic Club and didn’t complete one single dribble nor did he create anything meaningful in the entire 90 minutes.
Rodrygo played for just 10 minutes in the game against Paraguay for Brazil the day before starting this one whereas Vini Jr. played for an hour. Yet somehow, Vini was the one who played better against Athletic Club. Such performances from Rodrygo make me think if he lacks that extra bit of special required at Real Madrid.
He started against Granada in his preferred left-wing in Vini’s absence and still remained ineffective. This was one huge opportunity blown and rightfully, he was stripped of his starting role by Carlo Ancelotti for the remainder of the month. He hasn’t been too impactful with his performances off the bench either. I think he’d be better off with a move away on loan to a less competitive club to clear his head out and sharpen his skills.