Real Madrid: 3 advantages Los Blancos have against Real Sociedad

Two workhorses in midfield

Real Sociedad have a talented midfield, and as impressive as Martin Odegaard has been and as many plaudits as he deservingly receives, it’s easy to overlook that Mikel Merino has been just as impressive and important to La Real’s success.

However, Sociedad’s midfield cannot hold a candle to Real Madrid’s, because they don’t have Casemiro and Fede Valverde. Both men are expected to start in Sunday’s all-important clash, because they are all-important players who have no comparison in La Liga. Casemiro is the world’s best defensive midfielder, which has become such a popular opinion that La Liga fans essentially accept it as fact.

Valverde lives for big games like this one and elevates his play to any opponent. Just ask FC Barcelona. The big stars of the game can’t handle Valverde’s running and elegance. He is equal parts athletic and technical, working incredibly hard to frustrate opposing midfielders. Valverde can never be bullied, and his ball recoveries can create quick counterattacks from nothing.

Casemiro and Valverde are difference-makers who, combined, do the work of five men in the middle of the park. They are peerless in this league, and that alone should scare Real Sociedad, even at their own stadium.