CM Toni Kroos
It was funny seeing some Madridistas call Toni Kroos’ performance against Barcelona average, because average by his standards is quite a bit better than average by anyone else’s. Kroos controlled the match perfectly against Athletic Bilbao in this final, as the opposition could do nothing to worry him or take the ball off him. The German’s range of passing was as good as ever, and he completed 95 of his 100 pass attempts with three key passes.
Kroos also completed 15 of his 16 long balls. There isn’t a more accurate passer on the planet than the No. 8, especially when it comes to these distance passes. And that opens up play big-time for Real Madrid. It also forces opponents to keep themselves honest with their positioning.
Rating: 8.0
DM Casemiro
Casemiro did not receive much vocal praise for his work in this 2-0 win, but he is another one of those players who is doing well when things are quiet. The defensive midfielder made a lot of important clearances in his box, as his duties were more about playing it safe against an Athletic Bilbao side that resorted to countering for about an hour of the match. On the ball, Case was better than in some of his recent matches, as he had no giveaways and usually found the progressive option for his team.
Rating: 7.5
CM Luka Modric
Rounding out Real’s world-class midfield was the standout performer of the match, Luka Modric. He scored the opener – and his first goal of the season, after being denied by the frame of the goal time after time – with aplomb. It was a trademark, finessed finish from the Croatian magician into the right-hand margin of the net, hit with such technical expertise that aspiring players need to check out the goal in slow-mo.
Modric did a lot more than score, too. He carried the ball out of tricky situations with slick skills, dropping jaws with the best nutmeg I have seen to start 2022. Lukita had some nice defensive actions, as well, including a sliding interception. In total, the man had four interceptions, which is astonishing when you factor in his offensive brilliance.
Rating: 9.0