Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale was said to be deeply unhappy with Real Madrid’s decision to get rid of Rafael Benitez last week but the Welshman did not let that show after handing new boss Zinedine Zidane a wonderful welcome by scoring a stunning hattrick in the 5-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna.
Showing predatory instincts in front of goal, Bale put the Depor backline to the sword with his prowess in the air, pace as well as a deft touch and allied with a strong work ethic when without the ball – it would not be an exaggeration to state that the performance was a near-perfect one from the 26-year old.
Karim Benzema
While Bale may well have been discontent with the sacking of Benitez, one man who certainly was not is Karim Benzema – mainly due to the fact that compatriot Zinedine Zidane had been appointed as the Spanish manager’s successor.
Benzema would have surely wanted to give Zidane a reason to celebrate during his first game in charge and he did so by scoring a well taken brace in the 5-0 thumping of Deportivo. Benzema is really coming to the fore for Madrid in recent weeks and the Frenchman is expected to get only better under Zidane.
Dani Carvajal
With Danilo putting in an atrocious performance against Valencia last time out, it would have been a real relief to see Dani Carvajal back into the starting lineup following his injury and the right back most certainly did not leave his faithful supporters disappointed.
After an initial lapse of concentration, Carvajal put in a very strong performance both in defence as well as in attack and his cross for Bale on the 22nd minute was a thing of beauty. The return of Carvajal is a huge boost as he offers so much and Madrid easily look a much better side with him in the starting lineup.
