Real Madrid Player Ratings: AC Milan Win Dominates the Headlines
The Santiago Bernabéu witnessed a thrilling clash as Real Madrid faced off against AC Milan in a friendly pre-season encounter. While the result ultimately saw the Italian giants emerge victorious, the match provided valuable insights into the current state of both teams. Let's dive into the individual performances of the Real Madrid players and see how they fared against their Serie A counterparts.
A Look at the Real Madrid Player Ratings:
Thibaut Courtois (6/10): Courtois started strong, making a few crucial saves to deny AC Milan early goals. However, he was ultimately powerless to prevent the two goals that sealed the Italian win. His distribution remained solid, though his overall performance was slightly overshadowed by the defensive lapses.
Dani Carvajal (6/10): The Spanish right-back provided his usual energy and overlapping runs, offering a consistent threat down the flank. His defensive duties, however, were less convincing, as he struggled to contain the pace of AC Milan's attackers on several occasions.
Antonio Rüdiger (6/10): The German defender displayed his usual physicality and determination, but he appeared somewhat shaky at times, particularly when dealing with Milan's dynamic attack.
David Alaba (5/10): While known for his versatility, Alaba seemed out of sorts in this match. He was caught out of position on a couple of occasions, leading to clear-cut chances for the opposition. His usual calmness and composure were missing.
Eduardo Camavinga (7/10): Camavinga continues to impress with his tireless running and ability to break up play. He was a constant presence in midfield, both defensively and offensively. His passing was also incisive, creating several opportunities for his teammates.
Aurelien Tchouaméni (6/10): Tchouaméni, a key figure in the Real Madrid midfield, exhibited his usual strength and tactical awareness. However, he lacked the usual sharpness in his passing and decision-making, perhaps due to the early stage of the pre-season.
Federico Valverde (6/10): Valverde's pace and energy were evident throughout the game, but his final product was often lacking. He created a few good chances but wasn't able to find the back of the net.
Luka Modric (6/10): The veteran midfielder, despite his age, remains a key component of Real Madrid's intricate play. He showed flashes of his trademark brilliance, but his overall performance was a bit subdued, lacking the cutting edge we've come to expect.
Vinicius Junior (7/10): Vinicius Jr. remains a dynamic force on the wing. He showcased his electrifying pace and dribbling skills, causing constant headaches for the Milan defense. He was unfortunate not to score, but his influence on the game was undeniable.
Rodrygo Goes (6/10): Rodrygo was a constant threat, but he struggled to find a way past the AC Milan defense. His movement was sharp, but he lacked the final touch to make a real difference.
Karim Benzema (5/10): The Real Madrid striker, who is known for his clinical finishing, had a frustrating night. He was unable to find his usual rhythm and struggled to impose himself on the game.
Overall Takeaways:
While Real Madrid ultimately fell short in this pre-season test, the match offered several valuable lessons. The team's defense, although generally solid, showed vulnerability against a fast-paced and well-organized AC Milan attack. The midfield, while possessing considerable talent, needs to find more consistency in their passing and decision-making. There is still plenty of time before the season kicks off, so coach Carlo Ancelotti will be looking to refine his team's tactics and cohesion.
The individual performances highlighted the talent within the Real Madrid squad, but also revealed the need for improvement. The team's ability to adjust and adapt quickly will be crucial for their continued success in the upcoming season.