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

CB Sergio Ramos

Granada have a quality striker duo in Luis Suarez and the experienced Roberto Soldado, with the former being the bigger threat to Real Madrid. Suarez has come up big for Granada time after time in the last two seasons, and he and Soldado have three goals apiece for the visitors.

Sergio Ramos made two goal-saving interventions against Eibar, but he also nearly gifted the opposition a goal with an ill-advised pass across his own penalty box. And last Tuesday, his positional error was the reason for Athletic Club’s lone goal.

So the captain can afford to be more consistent against Granada. It will be up to him to command the air alongside Raphael Varane and make sure Granada don’t convert breakaway chances.

CM Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos has been impeccable with his passing in the five games of Real’s winning streak, creating chances and controlling matches with his genius. You can always watch him directing players and keeping calm on the ball, waiting for the right moment to attempt a simple switch or a more audacious pass that changes the complexion of the attack.

On Wednesday night, Kroos will go up against two solid midfielders in Yangel Herrera and Luis Milla, who both have the quality to give Real Madrid a lot of problems. Herrera is Granada’s best overall player and a real talent in La Liga, so Kroos will have his work cut out for him. But Kroos is one of the world’s best, so these are the games he’s expected to dominate and remind people that he is in a class of his own.