Real Madrid loanee watch: Odegaard, Achraf, Kovacic...
Despite Vitesse's loss to Heracles, Martin Odegaard earned rave reviews in the Dutch media. Borja Mayoral and Theo Hernández also impressed.
Martin Odegaard, Vitesse Arnhem:
Odegaard played the full 90 minutes in Vitesse Arnhem's 3-2 Eredivisie defeat away to Heracles on Saturday, but performed well in his usual position on the right side of the midfield and received widespread praise in the Dutch media. Indeed, RTL Nieuws described the Norwegian's display as an "exhibition of touch and technique", and, in the wake of rumours linking the 20-year-old with Ajax next season, asked: "Is he the ideal successor to Frenkie de Jong?"
Read also: Zidane return to Real Madrid "ideal" - Odegaard
Achraf Hakimi, Borussia Dortmund:
Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre opted to rest Achraf in Sunday's 3-2 Bundesliga win at Hertha Berlin, with Marius Wolf starting in his place at right-back. The Moroccan did come on for the final 12 minutes, though, and certainly had an impact in that short time: he brought about the sending-off of Jordan Torunarigha, a moment that had a big hand in Dortmund completing a last-gasp comeback victory and keeping pace with Bayern Munich at the top of the table.
Raúl de Tomás, Rayo Vallecano:
It was an evening to forget for De Tomás, who featured for the full 90 as Rayo Vallecano lost 3-1 at Villarreal on Sunday. The relegation-threatened Franjirrojos' seventh straight LaLiga defeat, it led to coach Míchel being sacked on Monday. A long-range shot hit straight down the middle of keeper Sergio Asenjo's goal was the striker's most notable contribution at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Mateo Kovacic, Chelsea:
Kovacic played the whole game on Thursday as Chelsea thumped Dynamo Kyiv 5-0 and sealed their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals, before dropping to the bench at Everton at the weekend as Maurizio Sarri rotated his charges. The Blues went down 2-0 at Goodison Park, a defeat which could reportedly spell the end for Sarri, a manager who has been a champion of the Croat's abilities.
Theo Hernández, Real Sociedad:
The left-back produced a good performance at Anoeta on Friday night, featuring throughout and setting up Adnan Januzaj for his side's goal as the Basques drew 1-1 with Levante in LaLiga.
Borja Mayoral, Levante:
Lining up opposite Theo in San Sebastián, fellow Madrid loanee Mayoral also impressed, scoring the goal that earned Levante a late point. The 21-year-old has now netted five times for Los Granotas in all competitions this term, with three of those strikes coming in LaLiga.
Óscar Rodríguez, Leganés:
Óscar played the full game in Leganés' 2-0 home defeat to Girona - Los Pepineros' first league reverse at Butarque since back in September. On the stroke of half time, Allan Nyom had the ball in the net from the 20-year-old midfielder's pass, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Andriy Lunin, Leganés:
Despite deputising ably for the suspended Iván Cuéllar in Leganés' narrow defeat at Atlético Madrid a weekend earlier, goalkeeper Lunin was back among the substitutes for Saturday's loss to Girona. The Ukrainian has featured for just 364 minutes all season.
Lucas Silva, Cruzeiro:
The Brazilian midfielder was not involved as Cruzeiro beat Tupi 3-0 in the Campeonato Mineiro on Saturday.