Grading every Real Madrid player in the 2021/22 season

Forwards

Vinicius Junior – A+

What an incredible season from Vinicius Junior. Absolutely sensational. He started the season on the bench but knew that hard work will get him back in the lineup and once he started his first game under Carlo Ancelotti, he never let go of the left flank ever again. After many people questioning whether or not he even deserves a place in the squad (let alone the starting lineup) only a year ago, Vinicius stayed quiet and focused on what he needed to have a season that is on par with some of the best players in the world. An incredible year for the young Brazilian.

Rodrygo Goes – B

Not the best start to the season but an incredibly strong ending. Rodrygo Goes is seen as a hero after his performance in the second-leg match against Manchester City and how strongly he ended this season. Rodrygo has a lot of skill and even though he had a strong year so far, his breakthrough moment could still be coming. He has a lot to offer this team and after this full season, Ancelotti will know exactly when and how to use him next year. Rodrygo is someone definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Marco Asensio – D

Marco Asensio is Real Madrid’s third-highest goalscorer in La Liga this season and as strange as it is to say this, that’s all he will be remembered for. Goals are important, obviously. However, those strong finishes and great shots from outside the box aren’t enough. At one point, Asensio was the undisputed starter on the right wing but since then, he is now possibly third on the list behind Valverde and Rodrygo. It remains to be seen whether he will be staying at the club next season.

Gareth Bale – F

A very disappointing ending to Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid career. The Welsh international started off the season brightly as Ancelotti used him as a starter in the opening matches of the campaign. However, as has been the case over the past few seasons, injuries and players performing better than him have kept him away from the team. He ends the season as one of the rare players with five UEFA Champions League trophies but in terms of how the season has gone, it has been nothing short of a disappointment.

Eden Hazard – D

Similar to Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard was a starter when the season began. He was never really able to reach the heights expected of him while Vinicius Junior took every minute given to him to take that starting position. Injuries also kept the Belgian on the sidelines and he also will have to consider this season disappointing. However, in the limited minutes that he did play, he looked promising. The issue is with Hazard, the expectations are still quite high because we are all aware of what he can produce. Seeing what he has done in the minutes he got this season, next year could be promising. Hazard will be at the club after this summer and even though many have understandably given up hope on him, anything is possible from a player who was once among the top in Europe.

Karim Benzema – A+

Simply put, Karim Benzema has had a season worthy of a Ballon d’Or. The French forward has been incredible in front of goal and his understanding with Vinicius is a joy to watch. Benzema this season has somehow exceeded expectations and it seems like no challenge is too tough for him. Once Marcelo’s contract officially ends this summer, Karim Benzema will be the Real Madrid captain, which is a responsibility that he is more than capable of taking on.

Luka Jovic – F

At one point in the season, for a very brief time, it looked like Luka Jovic could actually finally do what he was brought into the club to do. However, that moment quickly passed and Jovic has barely been able to see the pitch during his time. Mariano Diaz has gotten more opportunities than him and that’s less of a positive for Mariano than it is a negative for Jovic. Real Madrid consider him a surplus to requirements but having him find a new club may be difficult even though he is open to the idea.

Mariano Diaz – F

Another striker who has failed to do much this season is Mariano Diaz. On the pitch, he offers incredible energy and he genuinely wants to succeed at the club. However, his skills do not match his energy and we have seen that time and time again. Even though, like Jovic, Real Madrid consider him to be on the transfer list, Mariano has refused to leave thus far and there is no reason to believe that will change this summer.

Manager

Carlo Ancelotti – A+

No one can deny that Carlo Ancelotti has exceeded expectations in what was supposed to be a transitional season for Real Madrid. He was the perfect man to come in and calm the waters but he ended up winning the treble. He has been criticized very heavily throughout the season but he has still found a way to get the best out of the players and make them reach unimaginable heights. This is a man who adores the club and would give absolutely everything to this side and we see that on a daily basis. He has earned the right to be here next season.

Many players, particularly those who started the majority of the games, have really stepped up this season. Next year will not be very different from this in terms of the players but continuity with the manager and a few strong signings will only help in strengthening the squad.

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This has been a memorable campaign and it has been a pleasure seeing everyone’s ideas, opinions, and excitement throughout an emotional ride. Looking forward to the next one!