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Real Madrid are one of the biggest clubs in world football. So it is little surprise that a plethora of world-class players, especially in midfield, have graced the Spanish giants over the years.
Their trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro could go down in history as one the best midfield trifectas in the game. On that note, let's take a look at the five greatest Real Madrid midfielders of all time.
#5 Fernando Redondo
A technically gifted midfielder who generally played in front of defence, Fernando Redondo was renowned for his passing prowess and reading of the game.
The Argentina international joined Real Madrid from Tenerife in 1994 and established himself as a key component in the Los Blancos midfield. Redondo spent six seasons at the club, winning the La Liga and Champions League twice.
The midfielder made 228 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid and was a consistent presence in the middle third of the field.
Redondo joined AC Milan in 2000 but suffered a serious injury that kept him out for nearly three years. He made 33 appearances in all competitions for the Rossoneri before retiring in 2004.
#4 Casemiro
Regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the game, Casemiro is the defensive bulwark in Real Madrid's star-studded midfield.
An aggressive, physical and hard-working player, the 29-year old provides much-needed balance to Real Madrid's midfield. This season, Casemiro has chipped in with a few goals as well.
The Brazil international, an extremely consistent performer, has made nearly 300 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos.
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#3 Toni Kroos
One of the greatest active midfielders in the game, Toni Kroos is one of Real Madrid's best acquisitions of the century.
A product of the Bayern Munich academy, Kroos arrived at Real Madrid in 2014 on a £22.5 million transfer. The 31-year-old is renowned for his passing, vision and ability to dictate play and is regarded by many as a complete midfielder capable of contributing to all phases of play.
Kroos has played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's success under Zinedine Zidane. He has won two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies with the club. The FIFA World Cup winner (with Germany) has made 320 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid.
#2 Luka Modric
Luka Modric is arguably the greatest midfielder of his generation and one of Real Madrid's greatest ever players.
An elegant, creative midfielder with excellent technique and dribbling ability, Modric joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 on a £31.5 million transfer. His midfield partnership with Toni Kroos is regarded as one of the best in the game's recent history.
The Croatia international continues to impress, despite turning 35. Modric looks set to end his career with Los Blancos. But Real Madrid will soon have to find an able replacement for the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner.
#1 Zinedine Zidane
Real Madrid's current manager, Zinedine Zidane, is acknowledged as one of the legends of the club.
As a player, Zizou needs no introduction. A world-class midfielder who inspired many current players, Zidane possessed magical skills to make things happen in the middle of the park.
He joined Real Madrid in 2001 and won the La Liga and the Champions League once. His blistering volley that won Real Madrid the 2002 Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen is the stuff of club folklore.
However, Zidane has also excelled as the manager of Real Madrid, leading the club to an unprecedented three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
One of the best managers in the game now, Zidane won the 2019-20 La Liga title in his second stint as the Real Madrid boss.
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