Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine on Wednesday vs. Granada

Real Madrid will face Granada on Wednesday night at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, and they will need these five players to be at their best.

Currently on a five-game winning streak, Real Madrid will look to keep the good times rolling before Christmas when they face Granada on Dec. 23 at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. Los Blancos must face the Europa League side without star midfielder Luka Modric, who has an overloaded left adductor muscle. 

Modric’s absence will hurt Real, but they should be able to win the match without the superstar. Let’s look at five players who must be at their best on Matchday 15.

CM Fede Valverde

We start with Fede Valverde, who will likely start for Luka Modric on Wednesday night. Zinedine Zidane could also go with Martin Odegaard in midfield, but it honestly makes more sense for him to go with Toni Kroos, Casemiro, and Valverde as the midfield trio. Last season, they were Zidane’s best option.

Before his injury, Valverde was right behind Modric as Real’s best player of the season. He’s scored three goals in La Liga this season, and he could add another against Granada this week. Valverde came close to scoring against Athletic Club, though he did not start against either Atletico Madrid or Eibar.