Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Celta Vigo for LaLiga’s Matchday 30
CM Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos is not at 100 percent after suffering from gastroenteritis, so he is not a guarantee to play against Celta Vigo. But I would expect him to be in the XI. The veteran midfielder did not play during the international break, as he retired from Germany after the Euros. Kroos has been very good this season, though we have seen signs of him slowing down since his incredible peak of displays in the Fall.
A key to victory for Los Blancos on Saturday evening, Kroos will be going up against a dynamic Celta midfield. His ability to make deadly passes in transition and make moves that keep play progressing will be important to the forwards. The Kroos and Vinicius Jr. connection could be lethal at Balaidos.
DM Casemiro
Casemiro may have one eye over his shoulder as the Aurelien Tchouameni transfer rumors continue to heat up, because Real Madrid are favorites to land the best possible defensive midfielder on the market. Tchouameni would then be the long-term replacement for the Brazilian, perhaps even usurping the defensive midfielder sooner than expected.
Until then, Casemiro remains an important starter to Los Blancos, even including his faults. Casemiro’s defensive work and intelligent tracking will be important this weekend, as Celta Vigo have the likes of Iago Aspas, Denis Suarez, and the underrated Brais Mendez to worry about.
CM Luka Modric
The love Madridistas have for Luka Modric is difficult to describe, and it is no coincidence that Real Madrid often struggle badly when he is not running the show on the right side of the formation. For example, starting him as a false nine was a critical error by Carlo Ancelotti, which ruined that side of the formation and made Modric look bad.
Modric will be itching to dominate in his next game, and you can consider the entire Celta Vigo side put on notice. Every opponent knows just how good Modric is. We could be in for a classic from the Croatian magician this Saturday evening.