Real Madrid CM Luka Modric
Toni Kroos seems to be healthy after returning to play for Germany over the international break, as he missed the Levante game with an injury. Real Madrid may decide to play it safe with the star midfielder, as the Champions League group stages and El Clasico are on the horizon for the Royal Whites. Resting Kroos may be the policy here.
So Luka Modric will have to carry a major load in midfield for Real Madrid, just as he has throughout the 2020-2021 season.
According to WhoScored.com, Modric leads the team with 2.5 key passes per game and also has 2.5 dribbles completed per match. The Croatian was excellent during the international break, continuing his form in the first four matches of the league season for Real. Basically, there hasn’t been a better outfield player for Los Blancos than Modric thus far.
Modric has also been strong in his defensive contributions, which comes as no surprise to fans who have watched the 34-year-old engine over the years. He is still going strong, and he will command the pitch against Cadiz, assuming he starts. There just isn’t a player on Cadiz – or many other sides in Europe – who can contend with a player of Modric’s qualities. His vision, technique, innate feel for pressure, and exquisite control against the press will be key in this match.
Don’t be surprised if Modric grabs his first assist of the season either. He should have more of them, considering the passes he’s made into the penalty box this season.