Real Madrid: Where the players stand after the Group Stage

Croatia

Croatia is not so much an underdog team but is often overlooked as being a “big team”. Despite not being packed with several superstars they have an XI from all walks of football that work together to get the job done. Croatia claimed the top spot in their group picking up the maximum three points. They scored seven times conceding only once.

Their biggest win of the group stage came against Argentina, shutting them down in a masterful performance. Croatia scored three goals against the South American side all while keeping a clean sheet. Croatia will play Denmark in the Round of 16 on July 1st. Here’s a look at Real Madrid’s contribution to this incredible side.

Luka Modric

The brains and the heart of the midfield at both club and country, there is no doubting his talent. What’s truly remarkable is that even at 32 years-old he makes those around him look like pylons and his teammates like superstars. His playmaking and movement are almost like watching a ballet performance, so graceful yet extremely technical.

Modric has played in all three games of the group stage for his country and has been nothing short of phenomenal. In the first two matches of which he played the full 90-minutes, he was award the Man of the Match. Luka’s screamer against Argentina has been replayed numerous times around the world, a goal that many did not see coming.

Luka is one of five Real Madrid players who is captaining their national team this World Cup. His leadership is evident in every minute of play as he encourages those around him, giving positive feedback and constructive criticism. Seeing him play in this form is a treat, one that fans should definitely relish in.

Notable Stats:

• 2 MOTM performances
• 2 goals
• 206 touches
• 159 passes
• Average 87.2% PA

Mateo Kovacic

Being on a national team that boasts first-team midfielders from both Real Madrid and Barcelona makes it even harder to get minutes.  Kovacic was able to play in every game of the group stage but only started in the last one against Iceland. In his first two games as a substitute, he played just 22 minutes.

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Against Iceland, his stat sheet was off the chart. the midfielder had a 100% pass completion rate on 55 passes in the first half alone. He then carried that brilliance into the second-half.

Watching him play in the World Cup and have such a huge performance makes knowing that the Modric chapter will be coming to a close in the next few seasons a little easier to bear. Unfortunately, Kovacic has expressed his desire to leave the club this summer transfer window but Madrid is reluctant given that he is still in contract until 2021.

Notable Stats:

• 1 assist
• 109 touches
• 88 passess
• 95%  PA (pass accuracy)