'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Centre Backs:
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
A no-brainer in this list, Sergio Ramos is without question one of the best defenders in the world, if not the best. His defensive attributes need no mention, but in the recent past, he has also made a habit of scoring goals at the other end of the pitch.
The club captain has more than 750 appearances for club and country and often provides much-needed aggression games such as this require.
He is coming off the back of a strong performance against Juventus in the Champions League and will be looking to inspire the team to victory this Sunday. Furthermore, he is up against Diego Costa so we can expect some fireworks.
Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
It was tough to choose between Godin and Raphael Varane but it is the Uruguayan who makes the cut. He has been one of the most vital figures for Atletico under Simeone.
The veteran defender has more than 500 caps for club and country and has been the underlying reason for Atletico's brilliant defensive record. This season, he has played in 36 games for Atletico, performing admirably in most of them. He will be tasked with containing the in-form Cristiano Ronaldo.
Full-backs:
Daniel Carvajal and Marcelo (Real Madrid)
The Madrid pair of Carvajal and Marcelo are in fine form and their importance has grown manifold over the past three years. Boundless energy and incredible work-rate combined with defensive solidity make these two players key figures in Madrid's game-plan.
Marcelo is the more adventurous one, with a more offensive output and his link-up play with Ronaldo is one of Madrid's greatest assets. The Brazilian found the back of the net against Juventus three days ago and like all Madrid players, is heading into the fixture high on confidence.
The two players have made a combined 69 appearances and have pitched in with 4 goals and 13 assists this season.
