Real Madrid’s defeat at the hands of Villarreal was not a poor performance in isolation. Los Blancos have been struggling for a while now. Their dip in form before the World Cup break was put down to fatigue and injuries. But they have not looked much better since the start of the second half of the season either.

The display against Real Valladolid was nothing to write home about. They looked sluggish for most parts, and were saved by Thibaut Courtois’ performance in goal. Ultimately, two late goals from Karim Benzema saved the day. A Copa del Rey match away against Cacereno followed, and Real Madrid could only manage a 1-0 win on the day, thanks to a 69th minute winner from Rodrygo.

A third straight sluggish performance was punished though, with Villarreal defeating the defending champions by a 2-1 scoreline.

Real Madrid’s defence on the day was particularly disappointing and that has been the case all season. The club have conceded 16 goals in 16 games this season. In contrast, Barcelona have conceded 6. In many ways, that has been the difference between the two sides this season. And one player who has been particularly disappointing is summer signing Antonio Rudiger.

Real Madrid star’s form has become a big problem

Rudiger arrived in the summer as a free agent, with his contract running out at Chelsea. Over the past year-and-a-half, the German had been one of the best defenders in the world and naturally, expectations were high.

It is safe to say that Rudiger has not delivered on those expectations yet. The start had been decent and the hope was that he would grow into the team as the season progressed, that has not happened though.

Of course, Rudiger is not the only one to blame for Real Madrid’s poor form at the back. There is no denying though that they have gotten worse defensively since his introduction into the mix.

One also has to start wondering how good Rudiger really is. Before the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, he was pretty much the fourth choice centre-back at Chelsea. Of course, he was world-class under the German’s management, but can he replicate that form at Santiago Bernabeu or even come close? The jury is still out.

Source: therealchamps.com