Real Madrid vs Barcelona: 5 players who will decide El Clasico
By Dhun Poptani
3. Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker joined Barcelona this season from FC Bayern Munich for a transfer fee believed to be around a whopping €45 million. The forward is currently the top scorer in La Liga and the stellar performances by the 34-year-old in his first season have been impeccable. The squad can rely on his athleticism as a target man and flair, given the player’s vision to score from different angles in clinical ways.
Lewandowski is a tough challenge for Real Madrid for the upcoming fixture as the player, with the aid of his fast-paced wingers, can score, dribble past defenders and pose a threat every time he has the ball as the Catalan side has a solid midfield to assist the Polish player with his spectacular season so far. With the likelihood of Thibaut Courtois being absent, Lewandowski may have it relatively straightforward when the chance to attempt a goal elucidates under 90 minutes.
Xavi positions Lewandowski as a free-roaming striker to help supplement the aerial ability and the threats it possesses throughout the game. The player will be given tremendous support from the Barcelona fans, coach and the starting eleven to create chances for his attacking peers to score and vice-versa.
2. Pedri
The 19-year-old prodigy is living up to the expectations of a Barça player who is already a trusted number eight playmaking midfielder. Pedri’s presence in the El Clasico clash is a threat because his link-up with Robert Lewandowski creates tense moments where the split second between a few touches towards the attackers leaves no room for defenders to come up short. This style of play brings several goal-scoring opportunities.
Pedri this season has adapted to the box-to-box playing space demanded by Xavi, and it is a work in progress with the right voices to lead him. The player can be a vital link for Real Madrid to man mark given the player’s swift movements like a tide wave in corners and small areas for the team to either move inside the Los Blancos’ box or for him to come short as Ousmane Dembele and Lewandowski curate chances. Pedri will be a fantastic player to watch in the upcoming game.