'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 David Alaba
Former Bayern Munich stalwart David Alaba has settled in effortlessly at Real Madrid. Wearing the iconic no.4 jersey previously worn by club legend Sergio Ramos, the Austria international is doing everything in his power to make a difference.
Last night, he once again proved his mettle, showing exactly why he is one of the highest earners at Real Madrid.
With Alaba ruled out with an injury against Barcelona, Real Madrid were practically in sixes and sevens at the back. There was a clear lack of organization, with neither Eder Militao nor Nacho managing to fill in Alaba’s boots.
Fortunately for Los Blancos, Alaba managed to recover in time for the final and made a tangible impact.
Alaba performed an excellent tackle on Inaki Williams, made two clearances, blocked one shot, and didn’t misplace even a single pass. Another fine display by Real Madrid’s most dependable defender of the season.
#2 Thibaut Courtois
Through consistent performances over the last couple of seasons, Thibaut Courtois has emerged as one of Real Madrid’s most important players.
The Belgian commands his box well, has improved his distribution, and looks a lot more surefooted in one-on-one situations.
The towering shot-stopper was not overly busy against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night, but he was there when his team needed him the most. In the 89th minute, the former Chelsea keeper denied Raul Garcia from the spot to maintain Real Madrid’s two-goal cushion.
The Bilbao substitute fired down the middle of Courtois’ goal to catch the Belgian international out. Courtois was diving to his left, but cleverly placed his foot in the way to deny Garcia his goal.
Overall, Courtois made two saves, performed two high claims, had two clearances and provided four successful long balls.
#1 Luka Modric
Los Merengues maverick Luka Modric once again defied biology to put in another match-winning shift in a crucial match. The 36-year-old was practically omnipresent and kept the Bilbao midfielders from getting into the game.
He was rarely dispossessed, never outsmarted, and he always seemed to know how to make the most impact.
Bilbao’s slow start allowed the Madrid midfielders to venture further up the pitch than they generally do in the opening exchanges. Modric and Toni Kroos were regularly occupying dangerous positions in and around Unai Simon’s box, and the Basque outfit had no answer for it.
In the 38th minute, Rodrygo’s clever pass found Modric just inside the penalty area. Practically unmarked, the Croatian put his put through and beat Simon with an inch-perfect curling effort.
The Los Blancos no.10 bagged his first goal of the 2021-22 campaign and gave his side a firm foothold in the Supercopa final.
