Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch against Elche

RB Dani Carvajal

Dani Carvajal has reestablished himself as one of the top three right backs in the world this year, and there’s a strong argument to be made that he stands alone in terms of completeness at the position. And in the biggest games, there’s nobody you would rather have than a man who has literally won it all.

Fidel is Elche’s star man in the attack with three goals and two assists, as he is tied for the team lead in both statistical categories. Carvajal will have a role to play in stopping Fidel from being a threat against Real Madrid, as it often seems like the stars of smaller La Liga clubs find another level to their games against Los Blancos. They want to impress.

CM Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos delivered another quiet masterpiece of a performance last Wednesday in the shutout victory over Granada. His composure and passing accuracy were on full display, and he also stepped up in the chance-creation department with Luka Modric unavailable due to an overloaded adductor muscle.

This Wednesday at Elche, Kroos will be similarly important to Real Madrid. Elche will look to suffocate the pitch, forcing the issue for Los Blancos. It will be up to Kroos to calmly navigate Real out of the back and spray the right passes around the pitch for his teammates. He is the best passer in European football right now.