Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Valencia

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VITORIA GASTEIZ, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 30: Toni Kroos of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Deportivo Alaves v Real Madrid at the Estadio de Mendizorroza on November 30, 2019 in Vitoria Gasteiz Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos received a game of rest on Wednesday against Club Brugge, as Zinedine Zidane went with a midfield trio of Isco, Luka Modric, and Casemiro. Although Isco and Modric could start against Valencia, Casemiro is highly unlikely to play since he is one yellow card away from a suspension. Missing Casemiro against Barca on Wednesday could be devastating.

So Kroos will be tasked with playing a major role against Valencia both offensively and defensively. He’s flourished in a more attacking midfield role under Zidane this season, stinging goalkeepers’ palms with his shots from outside the box while also setting the Champions League alight with key passes galore. Defensively, he’s had some strong games, such as against Deportivo Alaves a couple of weeks ago, but he’s also been exposed against the likes of PSG.

A microscope will be placed on each player in the next two games, and Kroos will need to be as amazing as he’s been all season long. He’ll be a major key to victory against Valencia, seeing as how he’s been neck and neck with Real Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard as the best midfielder in La Liga this season.

Don’t be surprised if he finishes this game with an assist or two, but how he helps the shape of the team could be even more crucial.

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