Real Madrid players are done with March international break action and can now focus on recovering for this weekend's La Liga matchup against Mallorca, who are always tricky customers. In recapping the break, there are four clear winners from the Madrid side who boosted their stock further this early spring.
CM Arda Guler
Turkey have qualified for the World Cup, and Arda Guler has clearly usurped Hakan Calhanoglu and even beaten out Juventus gem Kenan Yildiz as the star of the team. He led Turkey in chances created and was brilliant in that understated playmaker role in a gritty 1-0 win over Kosovo. Guler is one of the best pure chance creators in world football in both an advanced and deep lying playmaker role, and he had a very solid game for his country in sealing a shot at World Cup glory in North America this summer.
ST Gonzalo Garcia
Gonzalo Garcia was the most successful individual performer from a statistical perspective for Real Madrid, scoring three goals across two games for the Spanish youth team in the international break. Sure, it was only the youth team, but Garcia continues to show a high level of finishing and an ability to get into the right position. He is the greatest gift to Real from the failed Xabi Alonso era.
LW Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior has been criticized a lot for not carrying a subpar Brazil side the same way Neymar did, but if Endrick can emerge as a true sidekick for him in the absence of an injured Rodrygo Goes, then the Real Madrid superstar winger stands a chance. Even before Endrick entered the pitch, Vini had a beautiful assist, sitting down a Croatia defender before crossing the ball on the ground to Danilo. People love to target Vini Jr., and when he is doubted, he finds even more fuel to shine. He is one of the biggest stars to watch at the World Cup and did great in his final game for Brazil over the break.
RW Endrick
Endrick may be playing for Lyon now, but he is very much a star of the future for Real Madrid, which he has made abundantly clear for the Ligue 1 side on loan and now even for Brazil. The young forward changed the game for the Selecao, coming in for 15 minutes and winning a penalty while registering another assist to help Brazil win 3-1 after being tied 1-1. He is a tremendous player and too hot for defenses to handle, already developing more sides to his game than just elite ball striking.