Real Madrid's possible starting XI for the La Liga game against Barcelona

RCD Espanyol vd Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander
RCD Espanyol vd Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander

Defensive Midfielder - Casemiro

Real Madrid vs Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semi-Final: Leg One
Real Madrid vs Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semi-Final: Leg One

Arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football, Casemiro is a key player for Real Madrid.

While much of the praise is reserved for Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, without Casemiro shielding the defence, Real Madrid's midfield would suffer heavily. The Brazil international is an aggressive, physical midfielder who does not shy away from doing the dirty work.

Casemiro was one of Real Madrid's most important players during Zinedine Zidane's time at the club. The 29-year-old is a leader in the dressing room, and will enjoy his prime representing one of the biggest clubs in world football.


Central Midfielder - Luka Modric

RCD Espanyol vs Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander
RCD Espanyol vs Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander

Where to begin with Luka Modric? He might be getting on as far as age is concerned, but he remains one of the best midfielders in La Liga.

A technically gifted, elegant midfielder, Modric is one of the best midfielders of the modern generation. The 36-year-old joined Real Madrid in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur for £31.5 million, and after a slow start has blossomed into a world-renowned superstar.

Modric is one of the few players to have pipped Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Ballon d'Or award. The Croatia international is still featuring regularly for both club and country, which is a testament to his fitness and quality.


Central Midfielder - Toni Kroos

RCD Espanyol vs Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander
RCD Espanyol vs Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander

The midfield partnership of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric is regarded by many as one of the best in modern football.

Kroos, like Modric, is a technically brilliant player. A world-class passer who sets the tempo of games, the Germany international is excellent on the ball. Kroos joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2014 for £22.5 million, which has to go down as one of the best deals in Real Madrid history.

The 31-year-old is an intelligent player, and is the engine for Real Madrid. Kroos, like Modric, boasts excellent fitness and has been everpresent in Madrid's midfield since he signed for the club.


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