Real Madrid player ratings: Modric gets an 8 but how did Ronaldo fare?

Matt Jones - Editor 23:28 16/12/2017
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  • Real Madrid secured their third Club World Cup triumph on Saturday night.

    After clinching their record-equalling third Club World Cup trophy on Saturday night following a 1-0 victory over Gremio in Abu Dhabi, here’s how Real Madrid‘s stars rated.

    Keylor Navas – 6

    He might have expected to have busier nights in a final, but the keeper was presented with nothing to trouble him, other than a few routine catches.

    Dani Carvajal – 7

    A rock on the right for Real, the marauding full-back offered plenty going forward and came closest to breaking the first-half deadlock, a perfectly planted volley that needed clearing on the line

    Raphael Varane – 6

    Calm and composed alongside his captain. Went on one mazy run in the opening period but failed to produce a finish when working himself into space.

    Sergio Ramos – 6

    Little to do for the Real skipper other than lift the Club World Cup trophy at the final whistle. Marshalled Lucas Barrios well, forcing him off in the second after an ineffective performance.

    Marcelo – 7

    Was a ball of energy down the left flank, busily offering himself as an outlet going forward. Kept Gremio’s lively wingers under control.

    Luka Modric – 8

    The crafty Croat was his usual bundle of creativity, probing any gaps in the Gremio half. Flashed a fierce left-footed drive inches wide and pulled the strings.

    Casemiro – 7

    The tigerish midfielder was typically dominant, breaking up anything that resembled an attack from Gremio. Kept wonderkid Luan in check as Gremio failed to flow.

    Toni Kroos – 7

    The German was predictably efficient as he patrolled the area in front of defence and dictated play along with Modric. His first action at the tournament and he was commanding.

    Isco – 7

    Floated effortlessly across the pitch as he looked for holes in the opposition defence. Started ahead of Gareth Bale and is now a mainstay of Zinedine Zidane’s starting teams.

    Karim Benzema – 6

    Has his critics but the Frenchman did little wrong here with a solid performance. Would have had a deserved assist but for being wrong called offside when teeing up Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Cristiano Ronaldo – 8

    Came into the tournament on the back of a fifth Ballon d’Or, seeing him go level with Lionel Messi, but his crucial goal sees him top the Club World Cup all-time scoring charts.

    Subs:

    Lucas Vazquez –  6

    Little time to make an impact but did his work diligently. Lucky not to get booked late on for an unsporting dive attempting to win Real a penalty.

    Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Ronaldo (L) curls the ball over the Gremio wall to score from a free-kick during their FIFA Club World Cup 2017 final football match at Zayed Sports City Stadium in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Giuseppe CACACE        (Photo credit should read GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)

    Ronaldo, who else, netted Real’s second-half winner.

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