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Three options to replace Luka Modric against Barcelona

By Alex McVey

BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 03: Lionel Messi (C) of Barcelona competes for the ball against Luka Modric (L) and Mateo Kovacic (R) of Real Madrid during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou on December 3, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 03: Lionel Messi (C) of Barcelona competes for the ball against Luka Modric (L) and Mateo Kovacic (R) of Real Madrid during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou on December 3, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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Luka Modric will miss out on the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona. Who should replace him? Alex McVey looks at three options Zidane has at his disposal.

Real Madrid’s midfield maestro Luka Modric will be watching the Super Cup from the stands. Modric is suspended due to an infraction in the Spanish Super Cup of 2014. Yep, you heard that right. Modric is serving a suspension from a foul he probably forgot about three years ago.

Who will take Modric’s place in the lineup? Zidane has plenty of options at his disposal. Let’s look at three potential choices Zidane could make.

1. Isco

Isco, who struggled for playing time under Zidane during the first half of last season, played a big part in Madrid’s victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Super Cup.

SKOPJE, MACEDONIA – AUGUST 08: Paul Pogba of Manchester United and Isco of Real Madrid battle for possession during the UEFA Super Cup final between Real Madrid and Manchester United at the Philip II Arena on August 8, 2017 in Skopje, Macedonia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
SKOPJE, MACEDONIA – AUGUST 08: Paul Pogba of Manchester United and Isco of Real Madrid battle for possession during the UEFA Super Cup final between Real Madrid and Manchester United at the Philip II Arena on August 8, 2017 in Skopje, Macedonia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

Playing behind Benzema and Bale in the front line, Isco helped break Manchester United’s lines, and drew defenders away from Modric, Kroos, and Casemiro, providing the dynamic midfield trio the space they needed to operate. Oh, and he scored the goal to put Madrid up two, ultimately out of United’s reach, a goal the likes of which he has scored time and time again, a low curler around the keeper from near the edge of the box.

Isco played in the front three against United because Ronaldo was not yet fit to start the match. If Ronaldo or Asensio start in the front three, it would free Isco up to take Modric’s place in the midfield. Isco has many of the traits that make Modric great. His low center of gravity makes it near impossible to steal the ball off him. He’s capable of escaping an intense press. And while he’s not nearly as good at positioning and intercepting as Modric, Isco can still put in a decent defensive shift when required.

Isco is probably the first choice to replace Modric. If Real Madrid want to win the Spanish Super Cup, get the season off on the right foot, and avoid embarrassment against their Spanish Rivals, then they should go with the trusted option who has lots of big game experience. Isco is the man. However, Zidane does have a few other options with slightly less big game experience than Isco.

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