Toni Kroos and Luka Modric
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are undoubtedly two of the best midfielders of the last decade, and one of the best midfield duos in history. They have won two LaLiga titles and three UCL trophies while playing together. While one is a Ballon d’Or winner, the other is a World Cup winner. Their achievements speak for themselves, and it wouldn’t take a genius to understand their importance.
Though Fede Valverde has been on the rise since 2019 and he has been Zidane’s choice for the big games ahead of Luka Modric, Luka Modric has worked hard to make his way back into the starting XI. At the age of 35, he is still going pretty strong and he is more important than ever. But this time, Zidane might need him the most during these crisis times.
Kroos and Modric face few problems against low blocks, but they are lethal against teams who offer spaces. Atalanta are a highly physical team who press hard for the entirety of the 90 minutes. In the process of pressing, they might offer spaces, which can be exploited by the blonde duo. Atalanta players might be very strong and they might press in an aggressive manner, but one shouldn’t forget the fact that Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are two of the best press-resistant players in Real Madrid. Though the latter might look weak, he knows how to evade a structured press and strong challenges with ease.
Winning the midfield battle is the key to decide the result of the game, and this time the duo might be more important than ever to lead Real Madrid to European success. The presence of their Brazilian partner Casemiro, who is a vital part of Real Madrid’s transition defence, is also equally important.