Real Madrid vs. Chelsea: 4 reasons why Madridistas cannot underestimate the Blues

A midfield that can hang with Real Madrid

Let me make this point clear. There is no midfield on this planet that can compare to Real Madrid’s. Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro have proven that they are a different class from every other midfield. Kroos’ passing numbers are out-of-this-world, Casemiro is averaging five combined tackles and interceptions per game, and Modric is the best of his generation.

But there are a couple of midfields that can keep up with Real Madrid and maybe even give them a few issues. Chelsea’s group of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, and N’Golo Kante are absolutely on this list.

Madridistas already know about Kovacic and his press resistance.  I won’t belabor the point with him. Kante is another known commodity as one of the most hard-working and best defensive midfielders around. His box-to-box abilities are the envy of so many teams. Mount is a great playmaker in the final third and one of England’s top young talents.

But there is one man who has been dominating since the debacle against West Brom and stands out as one of the most underappreciated players in the Premier League. That man is former Maurizio Sarri protege Jorginho.

He dropped masterclasses against Porto and Manchester City, with the latter display being especially impressive. Like Toni Kroos, Jorginho is so good at making the right decisions and controlling play. He rarely cedes possession or makes a mistake, and he can slowly tear a team apart. It will be fascinating to watch Jorginho and Kroos operate in the same midfield.

Jorginho and the rest of the midfield, especially Mount and his electricity, may be the X-Factor over the two legs between Real Madrid and Chelsea. Real should not underestimate the Blues, and they 100 percent cannot afford to underestimate this high-quality midfield.