Real Madrid vs. PSG: 3 players who must step up with Toni Kroos out injured

2. CM Luka Modric

As is always the case, Real Madrid will rely upon their midfield magician Luka Modric to make the difference in yet another decisive game. As is always the case, Modric will be expected to put in an extra shift and cover for his partner-in-crime, Toni Kroos. These two have often played without each other and almost always put in that extra effort to make the difference. We specifically remember Modric working hard towards the end of last season and the beginning of this one when Kroos was out with an elongated injury.

Luka Modric’s role would be vital against PSG. We saw in the first leg how the Parisian gave no chance at all to Real Madrid’s holy trinity in midfield to gain any sort of momentum on the ball. This time out, however, the Parisians will also be facing the wrath of 60,000 Bernabeu fans alongside 11 players on the field. Clubbing together the pace and energy that Camavinga and Valverde bring on the pitch, I think we can be hopeful of this game panning out differently.

Modric’s extra shifts would be more in the defense. As we all know, Camavinga is better as a No. 8 and while he gets the job done in the number 6 role as well, we cannot be too sure of the same against a demanding opposition like PSG. I think starting these three would be the best option for Carlo Ancelotti and I wouldn’t be too surprised if I see the roles between Modric and Camavinga transition mid-game.

Modric is a much more composed player on the ball who would be vital in supporting the backline. It is almost inevitable that Modric will have to drop back as the game goes on to channel the ball to his two advanced partners in midfield who can then look to create a pass or carry the ball forward with Camavinga and Valverde being the masters of the two traits respectively.

Modric should be the calming leader figure for the two young boys who’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime to carve their names in the history of what promises to be a modern-day saga of one of the most memorable European comebacks. We hope the master would be at his A-game to guide his two apprentices in a challenging mission.