Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: 3 advantages for Los Blancos in El Clasico

Real Madrid still have the better midfield

Fede Valverde outplayed Frenkie de Jong in both Clasicos. Toni Kroos is one of the best there is. Casemiro is peerless in the defensive midfield. Luka Modric has been Real Madrid’s best outfield player this season. Isco was excellent in the last Clasico, nearly scoring twice.

Barcelona’s midfield deserves praise, because players like Sergio Busquets and de Jong bring a lot to the table. But when you compare their midfielders to Real’s midfielders, the advantage is apparent. The midfield is Real’s strength, and Zidane needs to do a better job of harnessing those players in this big game. He didn’t set them up to succeed with his tactical gameplans against Cadiz and Shakhtar Donetsk.

But Real Madrid will not underestimate Barcelona. That is the one fixture where you know Real will bring their “A” game. So the best midfield will be starting and in their most ideal spots, ready to use their talents and experience to the fullest against a team that is usually their toughest challenge in the league.

Los Blancos must lean on the stars in this midfield if they want to win. Kroos, Casemiro, and Valverde would be the most ideal starting trio, bringing totally different skill-sets to the table. Casemiro defends, Valverde covers the ground, and Kroos creates the chances with his calm passing. Everyone pitches in, but they each have their specialties. At their best, very few midfields can compare to Real’s top trio.