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It’s El Clásico day. Barcelona will host Real Madrid at the Camp Nou tonight in another epic fixture in world football. Football fans all over the world have been gearing up for the match and why not? It is arguably the biggest fixture in club football and is widely watched by millions of people all over the world.
Over the years, this fixture had it all - from exceptional goals to terrific saves - and every one of these moments was world class in nature. The Audience was always gifted with special moments which are still a matter of pride for both Barcelona and Real Madrid. The greatness of the likes of Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and other exceptional players took the audience's breath away as they participated in this epic battle.
Sadly, it will be after a decade we will watch an El Clasico without Leo Messi, Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo. But the new guns and other veterans are familiar with the pressure and very well know that big matches are an opportunity to attract global interest and get their name in the history books. After all, it’s El Clasico and nothing gets bigger than this in club football.
Let us quickly take a look at five players who can take the centre stage and change the tie within a blink of an eye.
#1. Arthur Melo
Even at the start of this season, Barcelona were struggling to show the chemistry they are known for. Ernesto Valverde, the Barcelona manager, was criticized for his lack of plan B and effectiveness.
But Arthur seemed to be a huge solution and relief for Barcelona. He settled in quickly and managed to pull strings with his effective passing and world-class shielding of the ball.
There was little doubt about the fact that FC Barcelona will be left considerably weaker after the departures of Xavi and Iniesta. Both these greats left a huge hole as they are irreplaceable. Barcelona has been desperately trying to cope up with their absence and Arthur is one of the names who popped up in the list.
Some even say he resembles Xavi due to the way he plays. He will be up against the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro tonight and that is a huge test for any midfielder. Going by his performance and capabilities, he will indeed try to make his mark.
#2. Isco
His consistency was always a question over the years despite being immensely talented. In these past few seasons, despite Real Madrid’s success, he was allegedly frustrated due to less number of starts.
But that problem was solved with the arrival of Julen Lopetegui, who was always a fan of Isco since he started coaching Spain. Isco Alarcon at his best is always a player to watch out for and a nightmare for his opponents.
He can render any defender useless and no defensive barriers proved enough for him when he is on song. But whether he can emulate his good form on a regular basis was always the question which hovers around the mind of his critics.
But things turned sour quickly this season. Isco got injured which coincided with Real Madrid’s worst goalscoring run and winless streak in Liga and Julen Lopetegui is on the verge of getting sacked. Isco knows he must be decisive to prove his worth once again and he will try to exploit every inch of space on the pitch.
#3. Luka Modric
Players will be looking forward to this veteran magician for inspiration and more so, after the departure of their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo. But like all Real Madrid players, it had been a rough couple of months for Luka Modric.
Real Madrid is currently languishing at 9th on the LaLiga table and the coach will be sacked if they lose this tie. Luka Modric is officially the FIFA Best player in the world and rightly so. His exploits were noticed as Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League and led Croatia to the Grand Finale in the World Cup.
With Real Madrid, his importance is unwavering as they dominate more when Luka Modric gets the ball. It is a do or die match for every Real Madrid player and the bigger occasion calls for the best to show up.
Luka Modric knows the importance of El Clasico, as it can change everything around Santiago Bernabeu. And Real Madrid will count on him to make things happen as they face Barcelona tonight.
#4. Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez has been a big game player throughout his career. Be it in the World Cups with Uruguay or in Barcelona colours, the former Liverpool man gives his all against the toughest opponents.
Like a top striker, he makes life difficult for rival defenders and the likes of Sergio Ramos knows what the beast can do if given opportunity. In the absence of Leo Messi, Luis Suarez will spearhead the Barcelona frontline against Real Madrid defenders.
Although there were criticisms of Barcelona not being up to their mark without Leo Messi, Suarez brushed them aside with his good performance against Inter in the UEFA Champions League.
He has scored six times against Real Madrid since his debut for Barcelona in 2014/15. He has been a constant force to reckon with, with his off the ball runs, link up play and superb finishes while holding off defenders. It would not be an El Clasico without Luis Suarez stepping out and Real Madrid defenders better watch their back.
#5. Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema’s start to this season is already better than his whole previous season. He thrives at finding space while dropping deep. He can lose his marker and create space which is good enough to trouble any defence in the world.
Often criticized and forever underrated, Karim Benzema has a horde of critics to answer to. He was criticized for his poor goalscoring form last season and in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, it is essential that he finds his goal scoring boot against their fiercest rivals.
But as the main striker of Real Madrid, he must finish the chances that come along his way. As there is no Cristiano Ronaldo, someone must deliver goals for Real Madrid and who better than their number 9?
He is one of the highest scorers in El Clasico and his form will be key to Real Madrid’s performance against Barcelona tonight.
