5 in-form players who could affect the outcome of El Clasico

It’s that wonderful time again where fans of football sit down and watch one of the biggest games in world football – El Clasico. The fixture always showcases some of the best players on the planet as Real Madrid and Barcelona battle it out.Historically players like Raul, Luis Figo, Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane have lit up this fixture. And we could be here for days listing even more. This fixture is where La Liga titles can be won and lost. And with Real Madrid sitting three points behind Barcelona already, there’s never been a greater time to pick up a win.But which players could have a massive say on this fixture? We take a look at just five of the players that we think could be a big help in their sides’ quests for all three points.

#5 Sergio Busquets

He may not have scored this season, but those who are more excited by the more defensive end of the footballing spectrum will enjoy the form Sergio Busquets is on and the importance he may have over this fixture. Over the 11 games in La Liga this season he has racked up an average pass completion of 89% and 563 successful passes, which to be honest is kind of required to keep up with the standard of Barcelona.

Most likely going to be sitting alongside Andres Iniesta and Sergi Roberto, depending on Ivan Rakitic’s fitness, Busquets will be a playing a very important role in stifling Real Madrid’s midfield duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric when they get themselves on the ball.

What is also important is his positioning to defuse any threatening counter attacks. He needs to be switched on to help cover anyone who may have committed themselves to an attack or whose concentration has allowed a man to wander.

#4 Marcelo

Not normally one to get praise, but Marcelo is as important to Real Madrid defensively as he is on the attack. There were worries that he may miss out the game after he suffered a hamstring strain against PSG in the Champions League earlier this month. But he has trained this week following the international break.

Bombing up and down the left-hand side, Marcelo has created 19 chances in La Liga this season. And with the firepower in Real Madrid’s attacking lineup, he could very well be the one to help kick the game into life.

As a left-back, he cannot ignore his duties defensively. And while Real Madrid are rarely put to the test in that department, this is a game that he will have to be ready for.

With 25 crucial tackles won this season and 22 interceptions, Marcelo has had a great season statistically. Will this translate into an influence on the result?

#3 Cristiano Ronaldo

It is hard to write the list of in-form players and never put Cristiano Ronaldo in it. 8 goals and 17 chances created is probably not the highest standard Ronaldo has ever hit, but he is certainly still effective in changing games.

Lethal from all ranges and situations, Ronaldo is nothing new to Barcelona. They know if they want the points they have to keep him quiet and not give him a sniff, especially if Real Madrid set themselves up to hit Barcelona on the counter-attack. His pace along with Gareth Bale could be lethal if Barcelona allow themselves to get sucked in while in possession.

With the potential return of Lionel Messi to the Barcelona lineup, he will want to make sure his nemesis doesn’t show him up. This means one of two things will come from Ronaldo. A greedy performance that helps neither himself or his team, or a stellar game that ensures his team walk away with 3 points and his personal bragging rights.

#2 Luis Suarez

Since his move to Barcelona from Liverpool last year, Luis Suarez has gone from strength to strength. The Uruguayan striker was still an incredible footballer at Liverpool, but naturally when playing around quality players such as Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Neymar on a weekly basis, his overall play has begun to improve.

Although Lionel Messi has been out injured for a fair chunk of this season, Suarez has helped fill the void left by the Argentinian. 15 chances created, 9 goals scored and 3 assists in La Liga – it is safe to say he’s enjoying his season so far.

His persistence as a forward will be necessary in aiding his team in creating chances. He is one of those players that looks like a guy who wants to play football.

While as a forward he naturally wants to be the headline, his work rate allows others to shine at the same time. Which brings us to the number 1 player...

#1 Neymar

This could be the most important game in Neymar’s career so far. We have seen how good he is; we think we know how good he can be. Now is the time for the Brazilian forward to show us how high the ceiling on his ability and potential really is.

Lionel Messi’s injury has meant others have had to step up to the plate for Barcelona and Neymar has done just that. An astonishing 36 chances created, 3 assists, and 11 goals scored in La Liga have seen Neymar move into discussion of the best player in the world.

At 23 years old, he has still got time to grow, which is frightening when you consider the level he is already at. Part of me looks at the form he’s on and just wonder, “Is this the game where Neymar cranks it up that one final notch?”

Maybe in this game it is not Messi that Ronaldo needs to worry about showing him up. But it is definitely Neymar his teammates should be concerned about.