Real Madrid is coming back to the Champions League next week. Zinedine Zidane still has doubts about who should be in the starting line-up against Manchester City. The main issue? Whether Modric or Valverde should start.
Real Madrid will host Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. An important game in which Zidane will have to make some difficult choices for the line-up.
With Courtois in goal, Carvajal, Ramos and Varane fixed in the defense, the doubt behind lies in Marcelo and Mendy, with the Frenchman starting to favour the second. Still, the biggest question still remains: who will take care of the midfield.
Casemiro will once again be the anchor of the squad, while Kroos' great performances probably mean he will also be earning his place. If Zidane bets on three midfielders, there would only be one place left for Modric or Valverde.
The Uruguayan is this season's revelation player at Real Madrid. His commitment, hard work, and chance creation have made him a fan favourite, but he will have to compete against the man who won the 2019 Ballon D'Or.
Both players could go in if Zidane opts for a 4-4-2, with Hazard and Benzema leading the way. That formation could also feature Isco Alarcón, who's come back to the fore in recent weeks.
In a highly demanding match, like the one Real Madrid played in the Clásico against Barcelona, Zidane chose to leave Modric on the bench and put Valverde in the team.