Midfielders
Centre midfield – Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets typifies a player who you miss when he isn’t playing.
Barcelona, without Busquets, suffered that 3-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League. Barca’s number five is crucial to the team as he helps win the ball back deep in midfield with interceptions and tackles and helps transition the ball quickly into attack with his passing range.
Whenever Busquets is on the side, Barcelona keep the ball better and create more chances due to his influence.
Centre midfield – Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos is having a superb season for the Los Blancos.
The German has 11 assists this season which is second in the league only to Luis Suarez. His pass completion percentage is 92% and with that, he has created a huge 69 chances for his team-mates in the La Liga.
Kroos, like Busquets, is pivotal for the Madrid side to tick and it’s likely he will play an important part in the Clasico.
Attacking midfield – Isco
The Spaniard has been outstanding for Los Blancos in recent weeks, with him grabbing an important late winner in their last La Liga fixture against Sporting Gijon.
He will be an integral part of the Madrid team in the Clasico as he helps create chances for Ronaldo, Benzema and Bale. Sergio Busquets will have a tough job on his hands to deal with Isco as the talented 25-year-old can be a handful with his wonderful dribbling skills.
Moreover, Isco’s passing ability is up there with the very best. If the game is open and free flowing like it usually is between these two sides, he will not find it difficult to cut through the nervy Barcelona defence.
