We are into the business end of the season. 32 teams embarked on the journey to secure the biggest European crown of the season, the Champions League. 8 of them left after a fiercely contested round of 16 matches. Real Madrid produced an incredible comeback against PSG, courtesy of a hattrick by Karim Benzema.
Real Madrid has to battle Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the Champions League 2021-22 in a repeat clash from last year’s semi-finals to progress further. Here are five bold predictions for the Champions League quarterfinal clash against Chelsea next week.
1. Fede Valverde to nail down spot in starting XI
It’s the 2019-20 season and Zidane’s Real Madrid is struggling for vigor and energy as Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have a slow start to the season. In comes Fede Valverde who provides a much-needed spark to Real Madrid’s midfield. He produced remarkable performances that season notably against PSG at home in the group stage and the El Clasico win at home that season. Real Madrid had finally found an heir to the aging Luka Modric.
Cut to 2022 and Luka Modric still reigns supreme in the big games. 2021 was a forgettable year for Valverde as he struggled for form and fitness. He could not make that spot in the midfield his own. As a result, Carlo has had to rely on KCM yet again.
However, things have started to turn for good as Valverde is finally delivering on his promise. Against PSG in the second leg, he produced a spectacular all-around performance. He is transitioning from a player only capable of running tirelessly and carrying the ball to possessing more control in his game. His touch and reading of the game have improved considerably. Living up to KCM is no easy task and Valverde needs to keep adding various skills to his repertoire to be the bedrock of Real Madrid’s midfield over the next decade.
The match against Chelsea would be tough. Last year Real Madrid was annihilated by them in the semis despite the scoreline reading just 3-1. Chelsea’s midfield especially Kante ran circles around KCM. Kroos and Modric were running on their last legs as they could not cope with the high intensity at which Chelsea operated. This is where Valverde could prove to be the game-changer. Hopefully, Carlo would rectify last year’s mistake and start Valverde instead of Kroos or Modric.
Toni Kroos is one of the best midfielders of this generation. However, I hate to say this but this season he has been found wanting in some of the more high-intensity games like against PSG and Barcelona. He still possesses the vision of a hawk but he is not quick across the pitch. Therefore in games such as against Chelsea, he may not be the best fit. It is therefore Fede Valverde’s moment to shine in the sun. I expect a monstrous couple of games from Valverde and make himself an indispensable part of Real Madrid’s midfield.