Real Madrid vs Barcelona — Combined XI | LaLiga 2020/21

Midfield: Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Pedri

Real Madrid v Real Sociedad - La Liga Santander

Despite a raft of injuries all across the pitch, Real Madrid's midfield has been as consistent and reliable as ever this season. Toni Kroos, in particular, has enjoyed one of his most productive campaigns with Los Blancos so far and has been right up there with some of the best in the world in his position.

Kroos' tally of 94.25 passes and 8.41 progressive passes per 90 are the highest for midfielders across Europe. His defence-splitting ball to Vinicius Jr during Real Madrid's win against Liverpool serves as a timely reminder of what the 31-year-old is capable of with the ball at his feet.

50 - Toni Kroos 🇩🇪 has made 50 assists for @realmadriden in @LaLigaEN (20 from open play and 30 from set pieces -26 from dead ball situations-), more than any other midfielder in the competition since the start of 2014/15. Conductor. pic.twitter.com/OYUxVDPjfq

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 15, 2021

Casemiro has been the ideal foil for Luka Modric and Kroos in midfield and is arguably one of Zidane's most important players, much like he has been for years. The Brazilian is an absolute monster in the air and is a colossus in midfield, tirelessly winning the ball back for his side time and again.

Casemiro has also managed to chip in with mighty important goals for his side this season, such as his winner against Real Valladolid and a 94th-minute equaliser against Borussia Monchengladbach. It has been another brilliant campaign for the Brazilian and he will play alongside Kroos and Pedri Gonzalez in this combined XI.

Pedri has undoubtedly been one of the most impressive breakout stars in LaLiga Santander and, possibly, in Europe this season. The young Spaniard famously had a trial at Real Madrid but ultimately joined the Blaugrana, where he's established himself as one of the most talented young midfielders they've had in quite some time.

100 - Pedri González made 100 touches against Osasuna, becoming the youngest player to reach 100+ touches in a single LaLiga game since at least 2005/06. Omnipresent. pic.twitter.com/cGGgjcAg4b

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 6, 2021

The 18-year-old has displayed a sense of maturity and understanding of the game that belies his age. His close control and overall approach have drawn comparisons to Andres Iniesta. Pedri has also developed an incredible understanding with Lionel Messi on the pitch, and Koeman's new formation has also been vital in helping Barcelona unlock the Spaniard's true potential.

As one of the most impressive players for the Blaurana who has kept seasoned players such as Miralem Pjanic and Philippe Coutinho out of the side, Pedri simply had to be a part of this combined XI heading into one of the most important games of the campaign.

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