Player Ratings: Atlético Madrid 2-0 Real Valladolid

Oblak Eight clean sheets this season. He has conceded only two goals — the joint-lowest in LaLiga history through 10 games. 8

Felipe Needed to bounce back after his debacle versus Bayern Munich. He did so, recording eight clearances and winning three headers as the most central of the three center backs. The big Brazilian didn’t commit a foul, either, as he played his part in shutting down Valladolid’s red-hot Marcos André. 8

Savić Overcame an early yellow card and was not generally troubled. 7.5

Hermoso Emblematic of how Atlético Madrid have used ball possession to improve defensively. Hermoso made no clearances, interceptions, or tackles, but he led all starters in passing accuracy. 8

Herrera Played the entire game upon his return to the starting 11, and looked the part of a Diego Simeone pivot. He passed quickly and decisively, and made defensive interventions (three interceptions) out of possession. 7.5

Saúl Still far from his best. It’s not anything Saúl is doing — it’s what he isn’t doing that has his place in the team under threat. Aside from one chance create, he wasn’t involved offensively and made little notable impact defensively. 4.5

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Trippier The lack of rest hasn’t fazed Trippier at all. The switch from the 4-4-2 to the 3-4-2-1/3-4-1-2 formation has helped him more than anyone, as it reduces the size of the pitch for him. He made one sterling defensive play to block a Marcos André shot with the game still goalless, but he made two lovely assists to decide the match. The first one swerved across Luis Suárez in the six-yard box and over to Thomas Lemar, while his headed flick to Llorente on the halfway line sent the Spain international off to the races. 9

Vitolo Poor performance, disconnected from his teammates and struggled to complete even simpler passes in his role as a left wingback. He just doesn’t have healthy Yannick Carrasco’s explosion or directness. 3.5

Lemar Scored his first goal since April 2019 on 56 minutes, when he deposited Kieran Trippier’s wipeout cross into an empty net. Lemar finally got back on the scoresheet and is enjoying a freer role where chances to combine with teammates aren’t so limited. On top of his great run and slick back-post finish, the Frenchman completed five take-ons and delivered three key passes for the second consecutive week. 9

Correa Went hunting for an early goal, but couldn’t find it and gradually disappeared from view. 5

Suárez Saw an hour of action upon his return and led all players with five shot attempts. He put only one attempt on target and showed a heavy touch, but he made two key passes and linked moves together well enough. 5.5

Llorente (for Vitolo, 46’) Changed the game immediately. His weighted pass to spring Trippier free down the right led to the opening goal, and he turned on the afterburners to beat Javi Sánchez for the game’s second goal. 8.5

Koke (for Saúl, 56’) Nondescript night for the club captain, who helped to maintain the midfield’s organization and to keep possession. 5

João Félix (for Correa, 56’) LaLiga’s Player of the Month for November got only a few minutes with Suárez before putting in an effective, if not quiet, shift. 5

Kondogbia (for Suárez, 62’) Wonder when we’ll see him make his first start. Kondogbia has been good in his cameos, showing solid press resistance and clean left-footed passing. 6

Torreira (for Lemar, 76’) Important for him to get a few minutes and touches under his belt following his own return from isolation. N/A