Player rankings for Real Madrid vs. Villarreal: Jude Bellingham is the future, and Luka Modric is timeless! A dynamic midfield pair at the Santiago Bernabeu

 

With their outstanding performances, the Englishman and the Croatian propelled Los Blancos to the top of La Liga.

Real Madrid easily defeated a struggling Villarreal side, with Jude Bellingham making an excellent supporting cast. Luka Modric gave a performance straight out of the archives. The two scored one goal apiece, and Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo added goals to complete a flawless offensive display and a 4-1 victory.

The first goal for Madrid was a combination of inexperience and youth. With a brilliant cross, 38-year-old Modric set up 20-year-old Bellingham, the top scorer in La Liga, who headed the ball back over the goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.

Just before the half, Rodrygo scored from close range for Los Blancos following a mad dash in the goalmouth. Early in the second half, Villarreal equalized through a goal from Jose Morales, who ducked behind the defense and finished past a dazed Andriy Lunin.

But other than that, Madrid had a restful evening. After a lengthy run, Diaz scored the third goal, and then Modric scored his just reward with a cool finish into the bottom corner to make it a rout.

Even though it won't be this simple for everyone, Los Blancos finished the job and will be the favorites on Sunday night.

The Santiago Bernabeu's Real Madrid players are rated by GOAL...

goalkeeper and defense

Andrei Lunin,  (5/10):

got a hand on Morales' goal, but it's debatable if he ought to have kept it. Otherwise, nothing needs to be done.

Lucas Vazquez: 6 out of 10.

On the right, another excellent performance. Dedicated, performed his duties defensively, and attempted a few risky crosses.

Antonio Rudiger: 6 out of 10

Good moments and shaky moments. Consistently eager to engage in aerial combat and at ease with the ball, he misplaced himself for Villarreal's goal.

David Alaba (5 out of 10):

had a good start to the game, but a knee injury forced him out of the game in the first half. It appeared to be a nasty one.

Ferland Mendy: 6 out of 10

midfield

 Tony Kroos, (7/10):

 kept everything moving. sprayed the ball all over and connected plays. Almost never lost a pass.

7/10 Federico Valverde:

played some nice diagonals, ate up ground, and did a good job of defending. not particularly creative, but nonetheless useful and workmanlike.

Bellingham, Jude (8/10):

scored the first goal with a skillfully placed header. produced numerous opportunities; unfortunate not to receive an assist following a fantastic pass to Rodrygo. He's fairly skilled in this sport.

Luka Modric (grade of 9/10):

Bellingham's opening goal was set up by an absurd pass. cut the bar off of the exterior of the box. dominated the last third of the game for the most part. scored a well-earned goal to cap off an incredible display.

Assault

Bradley Diaz (7/10):

a fairly quiet performance up until his amazing goal. Joselu appears to have been firmly kept out of the starting lineup thus far by him.

Rodrygo (8/10):

Again on the scoresheet because of a clean finish. He has nine in his last 11, and is racking up the assists, too. Seems to be finally reaching his enormous potential.

Subs Manager

Nacho (5/10):

took Alaba's place in the first half after the injury. For the most part, he picked fights and lost sight of Morales in order to reach the goal. Not very persuasive.

Fran Garcia (5 out of 10):

He didn't have great ball skills, but his effort was commendable. As a workable backup for now.

Ceballos Dani (N/A):

Too little time to matter.

Tchouameni Aurelien (N/A):

a prompt recovery following a foot injury.

Joselu (n/a):

a quick dash outside. He's now well down the hierarchy.

8/10 for Carlo Ancelotti: