With El Clasico up on grabs this Sunday, I take a look at each player who may make the starting XI at Camp Nou.
GOALKEEPERS
Iker Casillas/ Keylor Navas Claudio Bravo
The department that causes chaos in the dressing room for Los Blancos' may be goalkeeping. Though Real Madrid have two of world's best in the position, the choice of one has affected the other. Casillas has been poor throughout the season and never really got the hang of his performance in recent years. Keylor, on the other side, just got five appearances so far, though he was chosen the best goalkeeper last term and produced a memorable performance in the World Cup. The selection of goalkeepers will surely be a test for Ancelotti.
Meanwhile, Claudio Bravo is the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in Europe and is going through his best part of life. Ter Stegen had not caused any problems for Chilean and the German in turn was given the duty in Cup competitions. Luis Enrique wouldn't be so concerned about the man to start at goal ahead of El Clasico.
DEFENDERS
Daniel Carvajal Dani Alves
Daniel Carvajal has played a significant part in Real Madrid's performance this season. The young right-back has turned from the best Bundesliga right-back to Real Madrid's wing back. He is known for his efficiency in passing and stands as a supporter for Gareth Bale. Often takes up his position at the right wing and plays important role in Real Madrid's goals. Carvajal also returns to his own D when in times of need and is also one of best in his position. Surely, he must start at the right flank against Barcelona.
Dani Alves remains the right back option for Barcelona this whole season and is expected to start in Clasico. Though he is one of finest in his position, Alves has produced a number of chaos in the dressing room and isn't in good terms with the rest of squad and club. His agent has reported that Alves may leave Barca this summer. However, Dani Alves is good both in attacking and defending. Like Carvajal, Alves also acts as a wing back for Luis Enrique. As it is, Dani Alves won't be surprised by taking the bench against Madrid and instead start at the right defense.
Pepe/Varane Jeremy Mathieu
One of the two centre-backs may be either Frenchman Varane or Portuguese Pepe. Both of them deserve a chance in starting lineup though Pepe has more chances than his compatriot. Varane would be better in order to stop in-form Messi and has the ability to track and chase the opposition. Meanwhile, Pepe is a better defender with more experience and stands as a helping hand for fellow centre back Sergio Ramos. His famous ability to disallow opponents to take control of his possession would be a good motive against mighty Barcelona.
Since Vermalean was injured long back, Jeremy Mathieu has turned into a permanent starter for Luis Enrique. He has turned into a fantastic centre-back then, and is the reason Gerard Pique is allowed to attack. Stands as the last man in defense and is known for his aerial abilities. Mathieu is also instrumental in clearing air balls during corners and free kicks. Though he didn't start last time, Mathieu may start at the back this Sunday if Mascherano plays at defensive mid.
Sergio Ramos Gerard Pique
Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos is the greatest defender for the Whites' for the past few years. Currently the world's best, Ramos is not only a defender, but also a warrior and a spirit for the side. His absence coincided with Real Madrid's worst performance in the season. Being highly influential in Real's victories, Ramos is famous for his aerial abilities and his goal scoring record. He is also excellent in terms of defending and has a good speed and dribbling ability. Without doubt, Ancelotti will make him play the whole game at New Camp.
Took over Barca's control of defense after Puyol retired back in 2013. Currently in good form, Pique would start against Real Madrid alongside Mascherano or Mathieu. He is also good in goal scoring and defending. Unlike Ramos, Pique hasn't had good luck in recent meetings. He was often poor against Madrid for the past few meetings and got dribbled down by Cristiano, Bale and Benzema. Though his performance against Champions League holders is bad, Gerard Pique will still be in starting XI against Carlo Ancelotti's men.
Marcelo Junior Jordi Alba
Perhaps, he and Alaba remains the finest left back today. A perfect winger. Marcelo cannot be replaced by anyone in Real Madrid and Brazil. The Brazilian is a major influence on Cristiano Ronaldo and also supports the Portugese. Also a major star in Real's attack. When on defense, Marcelo is great and can threaten Messi and Neymar during the game. In the past years, Carlo Ancelotti hasn't benched Marcelo in high clashes.
Jordi Alba is the second best in La Liga and is a major influence on MSN. Links up well with the others in the squad and is a better defender than Marcelo. The rising popularity of the young Spaniard means that a bright future seeks Jordi Alba. Like Marcelo, Luis Enrique will start Jordi Alba at the left flank.
Toni Kroos Ivan Rakitic/Sergio Busquets
Bought from Bayern Munich this summer, Toni Kroos has turned an attacking masterclass to a centre midfielder. Fantastic when on ball and one of the biggest asset in the game. He is also energetic throughout a match and never shy of having one or two shots of his own. Never responsible for losses and an efficient air ball producer. Ancelotti would not drop Toni Kroos in such an important clash.
The Croatian is a significant player in the squad and is hitting his peak this month. Scored the winner against City with a chip last game and produced a highly satisfactory performance against former. But Sergio Busquets may have the last laugh. Always a starter for Barcelona in the past few seasons, Busquets has a lion's share of moments in the Clasico than Rakitic. Both of them helps the defence and Rakitic is instrumental for Suarez. With current form, Rakitic is the favourite to feature in tip-top clash.
Luka Modric Xavi/Andres Iniesta
Perhaps, the most missed player of the season is back for God's sake. Luka Modric can't be defined like others. Best midfielder in the squad, most efficient producer of passes, marvelous retainer of possession, good defending, excellent ball control etc. are some of Luka's qualities. His arrival has stopped the recent struggle for form from the team and moreover, acts as the backbone of the squad. The control of midfield lies between Modric. He is also the second player with most accuracy and has the highest retain control (around 5 times in 90 minutes). Couldn't imagine El Clasico without him.
The best trio of all time is Xavi, Iniesta and Messi. There was a time at which this trio could be stopped only by God. Though Messi is still class, Xavi and Iniesta has been fighting for chance. Xavi has been great in the league and Iniesta still remains their backbone. Don't know who is going to start at Camp Nou, maybe Enrique would consider both of them in the starting XI. The presence of Xavi or Iniesta or both could make El Clasico tough for Real to handle.
Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi
Experienced the best start of the season in his 11-year old career and scored 20 goals with 13 Liga Matches. That included 12 goals in 5 matches and three hattricks. However, he never recovered to his best since January. After being crowned World Player of The Year, Ronaldo just scored 9 goals in this year. Though he has a spectacular month going on, still being criticized for lack of goals. But he can never be benched because you don't know when he shows his class.
Lionel Messi is back. The player that would be watched this Clasico will be the Argentine. He is going through a fantastic time, scoring 20 goals in the year and 12 assists. Morever, very efficient in dribbling and passing. Messi seems almost unstoppable. He is currently 2 goals ahead of Ronaldo in Golden Shoe race. Surely, Real Madrid defenders must watch out or they will be thrashed by the Argentine.
Dani Alves remains the right back option for Barcelona this whole season and is expected to start in Clasico. Though he is one of finest in his position, Alves has produced a number of chaos in the dressing room and isn't in good terms with the rest of squad and club. His agent has reported that Alves may leave Barca this summer. However, Dani Alves is good both in attacking and defending. Like Carvajal, Alves also acts as a wing back for Luis Enrique. As it is, Dani Alves won't be surprised by taking the bench against Madrid and instead start at the right defense.
Pepe/Varane Jeremy Mathieu
One of the two centre-backs may be either Frenchman Varane or Portuguese Pepe. Both of them deserve a chance in starting lineup though Pepe has more chances than his compatriot. Varane would be better in order to stop in-form Messi and has the ability to track and chase the opposition. Meanwhile, Pepe is a better defender with more experience and stands as a helping hand for fellow centre back Sergio Ramos. His famous ability to disallow opponents to take control of his possession would be a good motive against mighty Barcelona.
Since Vermalean was injured long back, Jeremy Mathieu has turned into a permanent starter for Luis Enrique. He has turned into a fantastic centre-back then, and is the reason Gerard Pique is allowed to attack. Stands as the last man in defense and is known for his aerial abilities. Mathieu is also instrumental in clearing air balls during corners and free kicks. Though he didn't start last time, Mathieu may start at the back this Sunday if Mascherano plays at defensive mid.
Sergio Ramos Gerard Pique
Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos is the greatest defender for the Whites' for the past few years. Currently the world's best, Ramos is not only a defender, but also a warrior and a spirit for the side. His absence coincided with Real Madrid's worst performance in the season. Being highly influential in Real's victories, Ramos is famous for his aerial abilities and his goal scoring record. He is also excellent in terms of defending and has a good speed and dribbling ability. Without doubt, Ancelotti will make him play the whole game at New Camp.
Took over Barca's control of defense after Puyol retired back in 2013. Currently in good form, Pique would start against Real Madrid alongside Mascherano or Mathieu. He is also good in goal scoring and defending. Unlike Ramos, Pique hasn't had good luck in recent meetings. He was often poor against Madrid for the past few meetings and got dribbled down by Cristiano, Bale and Benzema. Though his performance against Champions League holders is bad, Gerard Pique will still be in starting XI against Carlo Ancelotti's men.
Marcelo Junior Jordi Alba
Perhaps, he and Alaba remains the finest left back today. A perfect winger. Marcelo cannot be replaced by anyone in Real Madrid and Brazil. The Brazilian is a major influence on Cristiano Ronaldo and also supports the Portugese. Also a major star in Real's attack. When on defense, Marcelo is great and can threaten Messi and Neymar during the game. In the past years, Carlo Ancelotti hasn't benched Marcelo in high clashes.
Jordi Alba is the second best in La Liga and is a major influence on MSN. Links up well with the others in the squad and is a better defender than Marcelo. The rising popularity of the young Spaniard means that a bright future seeks Jordi Alba. Like Marcelo, Luis Enrique will start Jordi Alba at the left flank.
MIDFIELDERS
Lucas Silva/Francisco Isco Javier Mascherano
It may seem impossible to drop Isco against the Catalans, but it is also not possible to drop Lucas Silva. Isco may provide an extra attack but a stabled defence is more important for Real Madrid than attack. For that case, Lucas Silva must start. But Isco is the best player for Real this year. So, dropping him would cause chaos in the dressing rom and media. As for it is, Isco is the favourite to start, but Lucas Silva must atleast be given a few minutes by Ancelotti.
The best centre-back and best defensive midfielder in Barcelona is Javier Mascherano. Moreover, he is also paradoxically their captain. The fellow Argentine, whose heroics led Argentina to World Cup finals, made headlines with his performance. He acts as the common link between the defense and attack. Most probably, would be starting at the midfield this El Clasico.
Bought from Bayern Munich this summer, Toni Kroos has turned an attacking masterclass to a centre midfielder. Fantastic when on ball and one of the biggest asset in the game. He is also energetic throughout a match and never shy of having one or two shots of his own. Never responsible for losses and an efficient air ball producer. Ancelotti would not drop Toni Kroos in such an important clash.
The Croatian is a significant player in the squad and is hitting his peak this month. Scored the winner against City with a chip last game and produced a highly satisfactory performance against former. But Sergio Busquets may have the last laugh. Always a starter for Barcelona in the past few seasons, Busquets has a lion's share of moments in the Clasico than Rakitic. Both of them helps the defence and Rakitic is instrumental for Suarez. With current form, Rakitic is the favourite to feature in tip-top clash.
Luka Modric Xavi/Andres Iniesta
Perhaps, the most missed player of the season is back for God's sake. Luka Modric can't be defined like others. Best midfielder in the squad, most efficient producer of passes, marvelous retainer of possession, good defending, excellent ball control etc. are some of Luka's qualities. His arrival has stopped the recent struggle for form from the team and moreover, acts as the backbone of the squad. The control of midfield lies between Modric. He is also the second player with most accuracy and has the highest retain control (around 5 times in 90 minutes). Couldn't imagine El Clasico without him.
The best trio of all time is Xavi, Iniesta and Messi. There was a time at which this trio could be stopped only by God. Though Messi is still class, Xavi and Iniesta has been fighting for chance. Xavi has been great in the league and Iniesta still remains their backbone. Don't know who is going to start at Camp Nou, maybe Enrique would consider both of them in the starting XI. The presence of Xavi or Iniesta or both could make El Clasico tough for Real to handle.
ATTACKERS
Gareth Bale Neymar Junior
Gareth Bale must tie up his laces if he wants to stop the recent criticism. The Welshman was excellent at the start of the season, but an injury at mid-October affected him. He couldn't take up part in the first Clasico and then never hit his peak. However, Modric's return resulted in his improvement as he hammered two goals into the net last match. Bale is known for his sheer pace and power. The performance against Levante meant that Gareth Bale has finally returned to form and Ancelotti will give him a chance.
Neymar Junior has transformed from a young talent to a Balon d'Or contender. He can never never be called a future star because he is already performing more than his expectations at the moment. He links up with fellow star Messi and has scored 17 goals in the league. Has an excellent finishing ability and causes problems when on ball. Neymar must be watched carefully as he is good enough to change the course of a game.
Karim Benzema Luis Suarez
Karim Benzema was fantastic in the last four El Clasicos. The Frenchman had a spectacular start to the season and was awarded 'Player of October and November' by Real Madrid CF. However, the New Year never really saw the best of Benzema. His form was dropped down but he still had one or two memorable games this year. Was great last match and had the best chance of the game to score. However, Benzema's recent form against Barcelona must not be underestimated. There is still a lot of hope in the Frenchman.
Was bought for 85 million euros this summer, but had his debut against Real Madrid after serving a four month ban. Suarez was great during his debut and assisted for Neymar's goal. Though he never hit his peak under Luis Enrique, Suarez still settled in the first team. Was lame at the start of New Year but began to breathe then. The Uruguayan returned back to England against Manchester City and thrashed them by scoring both the goals in 2-1 win. Suarez, then had a fantastic month and also hit the woodwork in his last match. His skill, passing and unpredictable finishing must be a great asset for Luis Enrique when they host Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi
Experienced the best start of the season in his 11-year old career and scored 20 goals with 13 Liga Matches. That included 12 goals in 5 matches and three hattricks. However, he never recovered to his best since January. After being crowned World Player of The Year, Ronaldo just scored 9 goals in this year. Though he has a spectacular month going on, still being criticized for lack of goals. But he can never be benched because you don't know when he shows his class.
Lionel Messi is back. The player that would be watched this Clasico will be the Argentine. He is going through a fantastic time, scoring 20 goals in the year and 12 assists. Morever, very efficient in dribbling and passing. Messi seems almost unstoppable. He is currently 2 goals ahead of Ronaldo in Golden Shoe race. Surely, Real Madrid defenders must watch out or they will be thrashed by the Argentine.
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