Real Madrid: An early prediction for the strongest 2020-21 starting XI
By Parshva Shah
Midfield: Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric
Real Madrid witnessed the best midfield triumvirate in their storied 118-year history. The holy trinity of Toni Kroos, Casemiro, and Luka Modrić hegemonized Europe during their European dominion that saw Real accumulate a cabinet of trophies.
However, the current season witnessed a change in guard with Fede Valverde breaking out and taking every opportunity by the scruff of its neck. Valverde often started the big games at the expense of the Croatian wizard, an indication that the latter’s days as the chieftain in midfield are numbered.
The resumption of the league, however, saw Lukita hit the same levels of the 2016-17 season (when he was at his peak) and the form that saw him win the 2018 Ballon d’Or. Luka was a possessed player during the final 11 matches of the league.
It would be safe to say that he can deliver to the expectations for one more season, and then play a bit-part role once Martin Ødegaard returns from Real Sociedad in 2021.
Fede Valverde deserves more playing time next season as compared to the current. He will be content at the role he has as he is not a fringe player and one of the 15 players who Zidane always wants to have in his scheme.
Toni Kroos and Casemiro had one of the best seasons of their careers yet and are at the zenith of their game. Casemiro is the world’s best defensive midfielder and has at least five more seasons of elite performances left in him.
Kroos, the German Sniper, is the metronome in midfield. Everything flows through his silken feet. What he does on the football pitch often goes unnoticed, but he is a magisterial player, a kind of midfielder you get once every 50 years.
He is brilliant and his trademark shuffle has often left the players counting blades of grass. He is set to start alongside Casemiro and Modrić, hoping for a swansong for the eminent trident.