Real Madrid have always been a team that competes for every possible trophy, and the team is usually full of superstars. This season, with the departure of Karim Benzema, there is a big hole in the attack. However, the midfield talent that the clubs possess is capable enough to carry them to glory. Real Madrid’s defence has also performed decently and is comprised of some of the best defenders in the world.
Injuries have been the biggest concern for Real Madrid defenders over the years. Some of the main defenders have missed the longest part of the season. One such player over the years has been Ferland Mendy. The Frenchman missed the start of the 2023–24 season but has now returned to the first team. Real Madrid paid heavily to sign him from Lyon in 2019 and here is a look at what the left-back offers the Spanish side.
Real Madrid bought back their former academy graduate, Fran Garcia. The youngster was impressive during his time away at Rayo Vallecano and was one of the most successful defenders going forward. He started in every game for Real Madrid before Mendy made his return.
The above viz compares the percentile rank of these two players from last season. Garcia played every game in the league, and Mendy played half of the matches. The young Spanish defender has an edge over the Frenchman in almost every department except defensive duels, aerial duels, and accurate passes. Ferland Mendy has more experience, and that will give him an edge over his Spanish teammate.
Defensive stability
Ferland Mendy has not been a very attaching full-back for Real Madrid. He has contributed more to the defence than to the attack. In the current season, the player made his first appearance against his local rivals, Atletico Madrid. This was followed by a first start against Las Palmas and two more appearances, including one in the Champions League against Napoli.
The 28-year-old has won 66.7% of his defensive duels and aerial duels. The player also intercepts the ball more than four times per 90 minutes. In the 2022–23 season, he won 55.3% of his defensive duels, 45.8% of his aerial duels, and 53.6% of his loose ball duels. The above visual also shows that most of the defensive actions have been contested in the middle third.
The recovery rate combined from the last season and the current season is around eight recoveries per 90 minutes. Almost half of these recoveries are made in the attacking half. These include 11 dangerous recoveries and 32 counter-pressing recoveries as well. These recoveries often lead to goal-scoring opportunities.
Mendy in attack
Ferland Mendy can chip in with an assist or two and is also capable of scoring a goal. The full-back likes to make progressive runs from the middle third to the final third and has a high dribble success rate of over 80%.
The Frenchman provided one assist last season. He struggled to cross the ball and recorded a low accuracy rate of 20%. This is where Mendy would like to improve this season.
Ferland Mendy’s return from injury will boost the squad. He is a mature player and could offer a lot to Ancelotti’s side.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
