Real Madrid: Full Report Card for Every Position for September
Real Madrid endured a month of extremes in September, descending into uncertainty and widespread criticism before finishing the 30-day stretch with several breathtaking exhibitions of attacking football.
Indeed, the 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid that followed an alarming 4-2 collapse against Real Sociedad seemed to leave the European champions headed toward a crisis, but 20 goals and four straight wins later, Los Blancos have recaptured some of last season's excellence to restore a sense of optimism.
Across the following slides, we grade each and every player at the various positions for Real Madrid for the month of September.
Goalkeepers
1 of 9
Iker Casillas
Grade: C+
Much like the entirety of 2014 so far, September was a turbulent month for Iker Casillas.
During Real Madrid's 2-1 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, the Spaniard was the subject of intense criticism from the crowd at the Bernabeu, as they voiced their displeasure at his inability to impact the set piece that opened the scoring for the visitors (Tiago's header was struck barely two feet from the keeper).
And although he was dropped for the clash against Elche, Casillas' form hasn't been quite as dire as some might have you believe.
Indeed, the bulk of Real's defensive problems stem from an unbalanced midfield, while the veteran keeper made a number of superb saves in the victories over Basel and Villarreal.
That doesn't mean he's been outstanding, but Casillas' month wasn't a catastrophic disaster either.
Keylor Navas
Grade: B
We can only grade Keylor Navas on one game so far, with his sole appearance in a Real Madrid shirt to date coming in the 5-1 victory over Elche on September 23.
Replacing Casillas, the Costa Rican made a pair of saves in his competitive debut, but had little else to do as Los Blancos ran all over their vastly inferior guests on the night.
However, debate will continue to surround the goalkeeping situation in the Spanish capital, given that Real Madrid outlaid a considerable sum to bring Navas to the Bernabeu.
But Carlo Ancelotti has been eager to downplay the situation, refusing to be dragged into discussion about his pair of shot-stoppers, per Inside Spanish Football:
"As far as I'm concerned, there's no debate and it's not one I need to put an end to with any comments, I'm clear about that. I'm not going to add to a debate that doesn’t exist within the team. I'm not going to speak any more of the goalkeepers this season.
"
Fernando Pacheco
Grade: N/A
Fernando Pacheco is yet to feature for Real Madrid this season, after earning promotion into the first-team squad from the club's Castilla ranks.
The goalkeeper for the Spain Under-21 side, Pacheco has already stated that he doesn't expect to see playing time this season and plans to use it as a "year to learn, to grow, train hard and be a better keeper at the end of it," per Hugo Cerezo of Marca.
Right-Backs
2 of 9
Daniel Carvajal
Grade: B-
Due to injury, Daniel Carvajal only made two appearances for Real Madrid in September, taking his place at right-back in the victories over Elche and Villarreal.
While the first of those encounters wasn't notable for the young Spaniard, the most recent clash at the Estadio El Madrigal provided a neat encapsulation of Carvajal's play.
In the opening half, Villarreal attacked heavily down the left, exposing the right-back's positioning and tendency to push too high with his aggressive approach.
After the interval, however, Carvajal—much like his team—reined in his game and sat deeper, preferring defence over attack as Real Madrid denied the hosts a chance to get back into the game.
The contrasting halves showed that 22-year-old has all the ingredients of an exceptional full-back, but striking the right balance remains a challenge.
Alvaro Arbeloa
Grade: C
Like Iker Casillas, Alvaro Arbeloa has received some mixed receptions at the Bernabeu, with many unconvinced of the 31-year-old's ability to be the experienced two-way right-back the men in white need behind Carvajal.
Carlo Ancelotti's trust in the Spaniard also remains questionable, given that he was substituted for Raphael Varane in the 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid, with the Italian shifting Sergio Ramos out to the right for extra defensive strength.
That the defender is being heavily linked with a move away from the Spanish capital in the January transfer window, per Alex Harris at the Express, tells its own story.
Left-Backs
3 of 9
Marcelo
Grade: B-
Perhaps more than any other player, Marcelo is truly symbolic of the contradiction that is Real Madrid this season.
A left-back who borders on being a left winger, the Brazilian defender already has three assists for the current campaign, highlighting how threatening he can be when flying down the sideline in attack.
But the 26-year-old's defensive inadequacies continue to be exposed—opposing teams repeatedly attack down the wings against Real Madrid, with the full-backs often caught far too high, leaving space all around Carlo Ancelotti's centre-back pairing.
That was again evident against Villarreal on Saturday, and had Marcelo's disappointing performance in the 4-2 reverse against Real Sociedad occurred in September and not August, his grade would be lower than it is already.
Fabio Coentrao
Grade: C
Fabio Coentrao made just the one appearance for Real Madrid in September, lining up against crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid in what was a 2-1 defeat for Ancelotti's men.
Selected over Marcelo that evening due to his greater attentiveness in defence, the Portuguese exerted little influence on the clash, while his inability to impact Juanfran's cross played a part in Arda Turan's decisive second-half goal.
Since then, the left-back has been hampered by injury, allowing Marcelo to hold down the position uncontested—a situation the manager will want to change given his team's poor defensive start to the season.
Centre-Backs
4 of 9
Sergio Ramos
Grade: B+
While there has been some chopping and changing alongside him, Sergio Ramos has been a constant presence at the back for Real Madrid this season.
Easily one of Los Blancos' most impressive players of the campaign, the Spaniard sits at-or-near the top for all the major defensive statistics for Real, having made 20 clearances, 19 interceptions, 14 tackles and seven blocked shots, per WhoScored.com.
But while his brilliant display alongside Raphael Varane against Villarreal was a neat encapsulation of his ability as a defender, there have been moments in September when the 28-year-old has been exposed.
Against Basel in the Champions League, Ramos' impulsive push into midfield contributed heavily to Derlis Gonzalez's goal prior to half-time, while both he and Varane were too easily split when Toche's header grabbed a late second goal for Deportivo La Coruna.
Pepe
Grade: B
Pepe's involvement for Real Madrid has been curtailed by injury in September, seeing the veteran sit out since the 5-1 thrashing of Basel in the Champions League.
On that night at the Bernabeu, the Portuguese was comfortably Real's best defender against the Swiss outfit, interrupting a number of attacks from the visitors and maintaining a connection with his full-backs.
But his recent absence has given Varane an opportunity to impress, possibly making his path back into the starting XI difficult.
Raphael Varane
Grade: A
Varane has long been considered the brightest young defensive talent in Europe, blessed with all the attributes of a world-class centre-back.
In Real Madrid's clash against Villarreal on Saturday, the Frenchman justified that position, completing one of the most impressive defensive performances seen anywhere on the continent this season.
With the home side blasting through Los Blancos' one-way midfield, the 21-year-old was instrumental in ensuring victory for Carlo Ancelotti's men, completing 12 clearances, seven interceptions, two blocked shots and two tackles in a man of the match performance, per WhoScored.com.
Due to that display alone, Varane is deserving of his lofty grade.
Nacho
Grade: C+
It looks as though Nacho will be the bits-and-pieces guy in defence for Ancelotti this season, having been used at both full-back posts in September despite his natural position being in the centre.
In his only start against Basel, the Spaniard enjoyed a bright opening from right-back, playing a leading role in his team's opening goal before fading out of the contest thereafter.
Since then, the 24-year-old has made only two brief substitute appearances against Elche and Villarreal as Ancelotti has looked to close out games in the dying stages.
Defensive Midfielders
5 of 9
Asier Illarramendi
Grade: C+
Asier Illarramendi is still finding his feet at Real Madrid, trying to break into Carlo Ancelotti's attacking XI with his defensive qualities.
Such a task is going to continue to be difficult for the emerging Spaniard, given that he's not a perfect fit alongside the manager's other midfield options in Real's preferred 4-3-3.
In September, the 24-year-old was used as a late substitute against Basel, Deportivo La Coruna and Villarreal, indicating that Ancelotti's use of the former Real Sociedad star might be limited to situations in which Los Blancos simply want to see the game out.
And while there were encouraging signs during his 90 minutes against Elche, the fact that Toni Kroos looks as if he's being gradually moulded into a replacement for Xabi Alonso isn't likely to aid Illarramendi's playing time.
Sami Khedira
Grade: N/A
Sami Khedira didn't feature for Real Madrid in the month of September, sitting on the sidelines as he recovers from yet another injury.
Attacking Midfielders
6 of 9
James Rodriguez
Grade: A
It took James Rodriguez a little while to settle in at the Bernabeu following his £63 million move from Monaco, but the Colombian's performances in September have provided a nice glimpse into what the future holds for the 23-year-old.
Now playing a prominent role in Real's build-up play through midfield, Rodriguez put in fine displays against Basel, Deportivo La Coruna and Elche, notching two goals (one of which was stunning at the Estadio Riazor) and two assists in three games to firmly entrench himself in Carlo Ancelotti's XI.
Of course, he still stands as a largely unnecessary attacking addition to the capital club, while his presence in Real's midfield trio also does little to help the team's balance.
But such issues aren't the Colombian's fault—his job is to play. Those are criticisms that should be directed at president Florentino Perez, not Rodriguez.
Impressively, the World Cup sensation also showed he's willing to get his hands dirty a little, tracking back diligently on the left in the 5-1 victory over Basel to make a number of key interceptions.
Toni Kroos
Grade: B-
How you evaluate Toni Kroos' performances for September is dependant upon your perception of his role for Real Madrid.
If you see him as an out-and-out attacking midfielder, you'd have a very high opinion of his play in white thus far. But if you think of him as Xabi Alonso's replacement, you're likely to take a slightly dimmer view.
Going forward, the German has shown he's the excellent playmaker Real knew they were getting when they signed him from Bayern Munich, distributing the ball with his supreme combination of vision and accuracy.
But it's his play without the ball that has been a concern.
Positioned as the deepest member of Ancelotti's midfield, Kroos has struggled with his defensive duties when deployed alongside Rodriguez and Luka Modric, regularly found out of position when the ball is lost and too easily blown by when opposing teams counter-attack.
If he's going to play the Alonso role, those aspects of his play must improve significantly.
Luka Modric
Grade: B+
Although slightly less prominent for Real Madrid this season amid the arrivals of Rodriguez and Kroos, Modric has completed two of the finest pieces of skill witnessed in Spain during the current campaign.
In the 5-1 thrashing of Basel, the Croatian remarkably chipped an inch-perfect, outside-of-the-boot pass to set up Gareth Bale, while his thunderous goal against Villarreal was something we'd typically expect from Cristiano Ronaldo.
It can't be ignored that Modric made two careless errors against the Swiss outfit that almost cost his side a pair of goals, but the 29-year-old has continued to be the quiet hub of excellence in the middle of Real Madrid's star-studded XI.
Isco
Grade: B
Isco has struggled for playing time at Real Madrid since starting in the embarrassing 4-2 capitulation against Real Sociedad in August, making just one start and three substitute appearances in September.
In his brief cameo against Deportivo La Coruna, the Spaniard was excellent, finishing with two assists after replacing Modric late on.
His 90 minutes against Elche were also bright, giving Ancelotti headaches of a nice kind when trying to decide upon the composition of his midfield.
What is most notable about the 22-year-old is the change in tempo his play provides, as he looks to carry the ball forward quickly, scuttling past defenders with a quick turn of pace to break through opponents who look to sit deep.
Wingers
7 of 9
Cristiano Ronaldo
Grade: A+
This was supposed to be the season in which the physical toll of Cristiano Ronaldo's play would eventually catch up with his body. This was supposed to be the season in which he'd battle with lingering injuries after an incredibly interrupted summer.
But since returning from a small absence in the early weeks of the campaign, the Portuguese superstar has been in incredible form in front of goal, finding the back of the net on 10 occasions in just five appearances in September.
Aiding his stunning tally has been a noticeable change in Ronaldo's approach, seeing him positioned far closer to goal than he's been in previous seasons, affording the No. 7 a degree of rest while still allowing him to wreak havoc with his lethal finishing skills.
Gareth Bale
Grade: A
Gareth Bale's play this season has been somewhat perplexing.
In front of goal, the Welshman has been deadly, racking up five goals and three assists already in the current campaign, operating with efficiency in Real Madrid's potent attack in clashes with Basel, Deportivo La Coruna and Elche.
But Bale has also tended to drift out of games for large periods, almost watching the play pass him by for extended spells when Los Blancos have been challenged.
Thus, it's been possible to view the 25-year-old's month as slightly below standard, but when you consider what his exact job is in this team (creating and scoring goals), it's hard to knock Bale's performances.
Jese
Grade: N/A
After a stunning stretch of games mid-way through last season, Jese is yet to play for Real Madrid in 2014-15 as he recovers from a serious knee injury.
According to Huge Cerezo of Marca, the talented forward could return to action in November.
Strikers
8 of 9
Karim Benzema
Grade: B
Karim Benzema has always been a polarising figure at the Bernabeu. For some, he's the misfiring striker who doesn't deserve a place in the Spanish capital, while for others, the Frenchman is the sort of unselfish No. 9 who perfectly complements Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
In September, that divide in opinion was as evident as ever, particularly when those inside the Bernabeu voiced their displeasure at Benzema during the 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid.
But while his scoring record continues to draw negative attention, the 26-year-old has been a cohesive figure in Carlo Ancelotti's front three, notching three assists in four appearances last month.
The manager has also given his backing to the striker, per the Daily Mail, insisting the No. 9's tally in front of goal is not a concern:
"Benzema is fine and he has a lot of ability.
He needs to work as he always has done and not feel any pressure about scoring. There is no need for him to worry that Cristiano has scored four goals. The only thing that he needs to think about is helping the team to play better and give solutions in attack.
"
Javier Hernandez
Grade: B
It would be easy to dismiss Javier Hernandez's late goals in Real Madrid's 8-2 rout of Deportivo La Coruna as nothing more than junk-time exploits.
But after switching from Manchester to the Spanish capital, it was extremely important for the Mexican to get on the board at his new club, given that there'll definitely come a time this season when he's required for lengthier periods.
And with Hernandez only having been afforded sparing minutes thus far, he can only be judged on what he's achieved in that short time.
In that respect, two goals isn't bad.
Manager
9 of 9
Carlo Ancelotti
Grade: A
Thanks to the summer transfer activity of president Florentino Perez, Carlo Ancelotti's job this season has been made extremely difficult.
Now with Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez in midfield to replace Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso, the Italian has found himself needing to conjure a sense of a balance from a squad that barely contains such a commodity.
Impressively, Ancelotti has quickly navigated through a turbulent opening to the season, stabilising a club that lurched toward a crisis with his characteristic composure and sometimes overlooked tactical nous.
Most significant in the 55-year-old's management has been his tinkering of the system to get Cristiano Ronaldo closer to goal, relieving some of the physical burden from his most potent weapon while cashing in on the Portuguese's remarkable finish skills.
In doing so, Ancelotti has allowed Real Madrid to lean on Ronaldo's excellence during a difficult beginning, but hasn't placed an immense physical burden on the 29-year-old—something that will prove beneficial in another strenuous campaign.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
