Real Madrid vs Barcelona: 5 players who will decide El Clasico
By Dhun Poptani
The first El Clasico fixture of the La Liga 2022-2023 season will take place on October 16, 2022. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have been dominant this season and the most anticipated match of the campaign is going to be everything that fans have been hoping for.
At the moment, Real Madrid has won six matches and drawn one. There has been no loss for Carlo Ancelotti’s side whilst Barcelona has the same record . Thus, making both clubs fight for the first position on the domestic league table, and the upcoming match against each other will provide the way for Los Blancos to return to the top by winning.
When the two teams meet again this season, it will be an eye-opener on how Real Madrid should transfer their techniques of winning trophies this season to Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, who is looking to take the Catalan giants back to the top.
The players for their different clubs can use the game to re-establish landmarks. Not only do the players’ unique characteristics matter, but so does their coordination within the team. As a result, in this article, we will explore the five players from both sides who have the ability and experience to influence the game and turn the tide in their favour.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: 5 players who will decide El Clasico
5. Luka Modric
Luka Modric makes it to the list without any doubts. The Croatian playmaker has been a captain in a few games this season when Benzema was out, and we saw the maestro not only guide the team but also lay his flair for every minute the manager trusted him this season.
Still, it is his wisdom that will aid the squad this weekend in overcoming obstacles, as the player seamlessly moves with strength and diligence to assist the team in adapting to position plays by opponents, making it easier for the defence to move and eventually define speed when the ball reaches them to navigate towards the net.
The midfielder is a major figure. His presence on the field will be a genuine measure of Los Merengues’ ability to maintain their excellence. Modric’s experience in El Clasico matches since 2012 is undeniably distinctive, and it will undoubtedly help Real Madrid stand out.
The team cherishes his current form, and as reported by Marca Carlo Ancelotti described the 37-year-old as:
"“He’s immortal. He’s always prepared, he always plays very well.”"
Modric will use his ability to hold the ball when there are gaps for FC Barcelona to exploit. This will be transformed into a counter-attacking opportunity alongside the pushing by Ancelotti’s team. Modric’s comeback against Celta Vigo in one of the first games of the season, as well as his captaincy in certain games, aided the team at success. An innate leader and team player.
4. Fede Valverde
The Uruguayan midfielder, winger and showstopper is another contender whose performance this season will be a territory marked tightly by Xavi’s team. Not only can the player be deployed in multiple positions, but his free-roam positioning helps the starting eleven adapt to the prevention of conceding the ball to the opposition.
Federico Valverde understands when to sprint, create chances, defend and, most importantly, invert his position so that the likes of Dani Carvajal, wingers and midfielders know that there is a foundation laid should other team members see an opportunity to shift gears. Thus, his performance this season is an addition to the mentality needed for the club.
It takes a particular athletic skill to understand what is required when playing a different position. With great mentorship, it is a matter of time before Federico Valverde becomes more consistent in ploughing heavenly performances.