Three options to replace Luka Modric against Barcelona

By Alex McVey | Aug 10, 2017

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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CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 02: Mateo Kovacic /

2. Mateo Kovacic

Many will be calling out for Zidane to substitute one Croatian midfielder for another, and bring in Mateo Kovacic into the starting lineup against Barcelona. Kovacic has played a bit role for Madrid over the past two years. While his minutes and appearances have increased steadily over the course of two seasons, Kovacic still has not been able to consistently break into Madrid’s first team lineup.

Kovacic has long been thought of as the heir apparent to Luka Modric.

His lung-busting dribbles through the center of the park add an extra dimension to his game, making him potentially an even more potent offensive threat than Luka, while perhaps not yet having Modric’s unmatchable footballing intelligence.

If Zidane doesn’t go with Isco, he should consider giving Kovacic a runout. Kovacic needs to start seeing a serious increase in his minutes this season. The match against Barcelona would give Mateo the opportunity to prove himself in an El Clásico, and begin to make his case for his further inclusion in the squad this season.

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