In what is set to be a competitive and thrilling Madrid Derby, the match will be won in the midfield. Keep a close eye on the battle between the two central defensive midfielders, Casemiro for Real Madrid and Thomas Partey for Atletico.
As we have seen time and again, there are plenty of factors to take into consideration ahead of the first league clash between Real Madrid and Atletico. Both teams added significant talent to their ranks over the summer, but it will be two derby veterans who will decide the outcome of this tie.
For Zinedine Zidane, Casemiro has been the backbone of the midfield and a fifth defender when needed.
Especially in the last two matches, the Brazilian has been a brick wall helping Los Blancos to two consecutive clean sheets while not allowing a shot on target. Zidane has leaned on Casemiro more than any other player in his squad this season as he has played in every match and has been on the field for all but 30 minutes thus far.
Matched up against the Ghanaian Thomas Partey, the match will be won and lost in the midfield. Partey has been with manager Diego Simeone and Atleti since his youth academy days and has become the ideal CDM.
His abilities were on full display in Atletico’s come from behind draw against Juventus in the Champions League as he did a wonderful job containing Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi and Sami Khedira.
Simeone has so much faith in Thomas, in fact, he has allowed both Saul and Koke to roam more freely and find space in the opponent’s formation. This is thanks to Thomas’ ability to distribute the ball with precision and cover a large amount of space single handily.
So, Casemiro will be Zidane’s X-factor in this crucial match.
After playing 90 minutes on Wednesday, the Brazilian’s stamina will be tested in what is usually a fast-paced, back and forth tilt. Keeping track of Joao Felix and Diego Costa will be his primary duty, but linking up with the forward line and helping the center backs will be vital as well.
Casemiro’s role in the squad is usually the same, but if Luka Modric is able to start over James Rodriguez, Casemiro will have more help holding down the middle of the park since James is tempted to push forward more often.
Keep a close eye on the number 14 as he will win or lose the derby for Real Madrid.