We’re just under a month away from the start of the 2018 World Cup, and the world is eagerly waiting. As the domestic season comes to a close, the best players in the world are now setting their eyes on Russia. Next in our club-WC series is Real Madrid. As a team that’s won the UEFA Champions League two times in a row, it’s no surprise that Los Blancos will have a host of players representing them at the 2018 World Cup.
Here are 5 Real Madrid players to watch out for in the World Cup.
Toni Kroos
The German maestro will be integral to running the show for Germany alongside Mesut Özil. At the base of the midfield, Kroos is often delegated the responsibility of dictating the flow of play. He conducts Germany’s passing game and controls how quickly they transition up the pitch.
On average this season, the 28-year-old has averaged an astonishing 93.2% passing accuracy. That’s what makes him integral to any team he starts for, and at the World Cup, Toni’s composure on the ball will be paramount to Germany’s progression in the tournament.
Marco Asensio
Many cite Kylian Mbappé as the golden boy of this generation, but this season Marco Asensio has staked his claim to that title too. Zinedine Zidane has placed ample amounts of trust in the youngster, translating into 26 starts for Real Madrid.
In that time, the 22-year-old has directly contributed to 16 goals. In Russia, Asensio will be a starter depending on the form of Isco. But Asensio’s versatility gives him a good chance of starting in a fluid Spanish team.
Mateo Kovačić
Alongside Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić is the heartbeat of the Croatian national team. Although Kovačić hasn’t had the playing time, he would have hoped for at the Bernabéu. But the World Cup will offer the 24-year-old the opportunity to remind the world of how good he truly is. With Modrić sitting and Kovačić bombing forward, Croatia will arguably own the best midfield in the tournament.
Raphael Varane
It’s not an opinion that Raphael Varane will be France’s backbone in Russia, it’s a guarantee. With Laurent Koscielny out injured, the majority of defensive responsibility will be heaped onto the shoulders of the Real Madrid defender.
The 25-year-old is notoriously known for his speed, physicality, agility and exceptional 1v1 defending. In a French team that’s heavily reliant on its attackers, it’s guaranteed that Varane will be called into action many a time to save his team against counter attacks.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The World’s best player seems to defy the odds every time he steps on a pitch. At the age of 33, Ronaldo is performing exploits we never thought possible, and the 2018 World Cup provides the star forward with another opportunity to silence the critics.
With 5 Ballon d’Ors, 10 domestic trophies, 4 Champions League titles and a European Championship to his name, the World Cup is the ONLY thing that has eluded Cristiano Ronaldo in his illustrious career. This summer, Ronaldo will further stat-pad his CV and establish himself as the greatest to ever do it.
