Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Granada

CM Luka Modric

The wonderful Luka Modric is coming off two of his best performances of the 2019-2020 season in back-to-back wins over Athletic Bilbao and Deportivo Alaves. Modric played a key role in both clean sheets, tirelessly harrying opposing midfielders and winning the ball deep in his own territory before carrying it forward to start attacks.

It’s what Modric has done since signing with Los Blancos from Tottenham Hotspur, and it’s what he’s done better than anyone else for the better part of a decade.

On Friday, Luka, per WhoScored.com, won two tackles, drew two fouls, and completed four dribbles. He made a huge difference defensively against a physical, underrated Alaves side and was impossible for the opposition to stop with the ball at his feet. And remember, he literally closed the game against Bilbao by nutmegging an opposing player, frustrating Iker Muniain into a yellow card.

Modric will go up against a Victor Diaz, Yangel Herrera, and some tough players on Granada who will test Modric in a variety of ways. But the former Ballon d’Or winner will surely be up to the task of a third straight memorable appearance in the White kit. Maybe he’ll hit another postage stamp screamer against them, too.