5 Real Madrid players who exceeded expectations under Rafa Benitez

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez hasn’t had fortune on his side. As he enters the fourth month of his tenure in charge of Los Blancos, the Spaniard has had to deal with multiple injuries to his star-studded side. The likes of Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale and Dani Carvajal have had to endure spells on the sidelines.With games coming thick and fast, Benitez, being the master tactician that he is, decided to switch things up. He didn’t have a choice really. Over the past two months, the former U-19 Real Madrid coach has regularly fielded what some would call a second string side. But one look at the points table and you would have to change your opinion. 24 points from 10 games and sitting on top, Rafa’s men haven’t lost a single game this season in both Spain and Europe. They have been miserly in defence conceding just four goals in those 10 games.We look at the unacclaimed men making it work for the side from the Spanish capital.

#1 Marcelo

Over the years, Marcelo has been criticized for being too ambitious in attack and ignoring his defensive duties. This season, the left-back looks a far superior version of himself. Having played 10 matches so far in the league, the Brazilian has already got himself on the score sheet twice.

60% of his passes have been executed in the opposition half which shows his attacking instincts. But what is more striking is that the opposition’s attack no longer target Real Madrid’s left flank. In typical Benitez style, the 27-year-old has turned into a miserly defender, rarely letting the wingers give him a runaround.

The former Fluminense full-back has improved his positioning skills considerably and is rarely caught napping in defence. Going forward, the team heavily depends on Marcelo in unleashing wave after wave of attacks from the left wing. Every time he whips one from the left, you know something is about to transpire in the box.

The only issue facing Benitez is who does he replace when Marcelo is injured or needs some rest in what will be a demanding season for Los Merengues. The full-back is a vital cog in this well drilled Madrid machine.

#2 Carlos Casemiro

When Rafa Benitez took over at Real Madrid, one of his principal priorities was to activate the Brazilian’s buy-back clause and get him back from Porto. His emergence this year is not only a bonus but vital for the team. The 23-year-old has benefited from Madrid’s injury crisis and has cemented himself as a sure shot starter.

His stamina is impeccable. Casemiro covers a humongous area in midfield and plays the Claude Makelele role that Madrid was so sorely missing for many years. The timings of his tackles are a rarity among today’s defensive midfielders.

The creative lynchpins like Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Isco now have the freedom to truly express themselves. They know that they can play in an advanced attacking role with the Brazilian sitting in midfield ready to put in a shift. Under Benitez, Madrid’s full-backs are also getting a lot of joy down the flanks. The likes of Danilo and Marcelo often maraud forward and contribute in offense.

Again this is down to Casemiro’s work ethic. His ability to cover ground quickly across the field helps his teammates thoroughly unleash themselves. The midfielder also has two assists to his name in eight matches he has played in so far.

#3 Keylor Navas

When you think of Real Madrid’s hero this season, it isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale or Sergio Ramos. It is Keylor Navas. Madrid’s number one has been instrumental in bailing his side out of tricky situations time and again. Ever since the David De Gea saga ended, the Costa Rican has looked indispensable for his side.

For every goal that he has conceded in the league (3 goals after 9 matches), he has made 8 saves to ensure his side remains on top. He said after the United-Madrid fiasco, “I won’t sit in the corner, crying, waiting for people to give me things. Things do not just fall from the sky.” And the 28-year-old has backed his words with actions.

Currently, his hand speed and reflex actions are second to none. More importantly, Navas is equally comfortable coming off the line to win aerial battles during free kicks and corners and punches the ball with supreme confidence. This quality is particularly critical for Madrid since Los Blancos have been at the receiving end of goals from set pieces regularly in the last two seasons.

Navas has an unwavering sense of focus in goal and Benitez can surely rely on him for the rest of the season.

#4 Lucas Vasquez

When Real Madrid played PSG, many Madridistas were surprised to see Lucas Vasquez in the starting lineup in an away game against a stellar French side. That really didn’t seem to bother the 24-year-old though. Although he didn’t grab eyeballs, he did everything that Benitez asked of him – run a lot and always be available on the flanks.

Over the past few weeks, the winger has won the trust of the manager and management by putting in some impressive performances. You might be mistaken to consider that Vasquez – a Madrid youth product – would be content with a role on the bench. The winger, who usually plays on the right, often occupies intelligent positions in the final third.

Vasquez is the kind of player that Benitez loves. A homegrown player who does not throw any starry tantrums, he gets the job done silently for his side. The midfielder has a mean shot on him and isn’t afraid to let loose from distance. He already has 3 assists in La Liga and will consider himself more than just an option as the season progresses.

It will be interesting to see if Vasquez can get more game time once the established Galacticos re-enter the frame.

#5 Danilo

Things didn’t start on a positive note for the Brazilian who arrived from FC Porto for a hefty £23 million. With first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal in fine form, the 24-year-old had to be content with a role on the bench. But over the past few matches he has played in, the right back has demonstrated why Benitez will have a pleasant problem in choosing either him or Carvajal.

His pass accuracy stands at a whopping 88% and in the process has also created 5 goal scoring chances for his team in five matches. Under Benitez, Madrid continue to operate on the counter-attack whenever they get the opportunity and Danilo has speed to burn to aid them in this area.

The former Santos full-back is often seeing cutting into the heart of opposition defences from the right and is adept at passing the ball with both feet. The right-back has a mean shot on him and scored his first goal against Celta Vigo last week. It remains to be seen if the coach will promote him to first choice, but Danilo has definitely made a case for himself.