Zinedine Zidane knows only too well that Real Madrid‘s football stems from the boots of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. With this in mind, the Frenchman decided to substitute the pair in the second half of the match against Espanyol, the first time he has done so since taking charge of the team. The Croat was substituted with 27 minutes still to play and the German with 21 minutes of the game to go.
The number ’19’ was given a standing ovation by the fans that filled the stands of the Santiago Bernabéu, applause rippling out around the stadium in acknowledgment of another stellar performance. Modric had already shown his class and fine form against Betis, but in the match against Espanyol he showed his predilection for precision passing with the outside of his boot, which has the fans in rapture at his feet. What’s more, the Croat is one of those players that works tirelessly in defence, leaving his creative class to one side and getting involved in the nitty-gritty. A real talent toiling in defence.
After giving Modric a rest, Zidane decided to do likewise with Kroos. The German is gradually reaching the kind of form he showed last season and seems to be more comfortable playing as the only defensive midfielder. He never once gets out of position, winning back possession and maintaining the vital balance between those at the back and those going forward. The fans also gave Kroos a very warm send off when it was his turn to leave the field.
Bron: Marca
