'%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)
Midfield: Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric
Real Madrid's all-conquering midfield trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro all earn their places in the combined XI due to their superb form this year. The Blancos midfield trident is one of the reasons Real Madrid are still in the hunt for LaLiga.
Modric has rolled back the years with a string of brilliant displays this season amidst Real Madrid's injury crisis. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner's displays have been so good that the club are reportedly in talks to offer Modric a one-year extension this summer even at the age of 35. He ranks in the 90th percentile or higher in shot-creating actions, dribbles completed, progressive passes and carries this season.
Modric has been the heartbeat of Zidane's side alongside Kroos, who has had another stellar campaign so far. Much like the Croat, Kroos has arguably enjoyed one of his best campaigns in recent seasons at the heart of Real Madrid's midfield and has, once again, proven himself to be one of the best playmakers in Europe.
The German superstar ranks in the 99th (!) percentile for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90 for midfielders across Europe, 98th for expected assists (xA) and 97th for shot-creating actions. Kroos and Modric have been supported tirelessly by Brazilian destroyer Casemiro who has remained as important as ever for Zidane's men.
The 29-year-old ranks in the 95th percentile for blocks, aerial duels, and clearances across Europe and is one of the main reasons for their excellent defensive record. He is also Real Madrid's second-highest scorer after Benzema this season, which is remarkable for his position on the pitch.
Casemiro compatriot and rival, Fabinho, is perhaps the only Liverpool player who could potentially be included in this side based on this season. The likes of Gini Wijnaldum and Thiago Alcantara have been far from their best, due to which Kroos, Modric, and Casemiro make it to the XI.
Also read: Most expensive footballers in the world in each position
