Who will step up in Messi and Ronaldo’s absence?

By Liam Bekker | Oct 26, 2018

Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (L) argues with Real Madrid's Spanish defender Sergio Ramos during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on May 6, 2018. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images) /

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Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates with Barcelona’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho after scoring during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club Bilbao at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 18, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Pau Barrena (Photo credit should read PAU BARRENA/AFP/Getty Images) /

Barcelona: Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho has been in top form for Barcelona following his move from Liverpool in January. Since the turn of the year, the Brazilian international has scored 14 goals in 34 appearances from midfield and has arguably been the club’s best player behind Lionel Messi.

His skill on the ball and well-documented prowess from range make him a bona fide match-winner and he will be the key man for Barca on Sunday. The 26-year old has already had a direct hand in four league goals this season (3 goals, 1 assist) and aside from being a goal threat himself, will be responsible for providing the creative spark to unleash the likes of Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele.

Playing in only his second Clasico, Coutinho’s undoubted qualities will be tested under the immense pressure of El Clasico but Sunday’s clash provides the Brazilian with the opportunity to confirm himself to the world as one of the best players around.

Real Madrid: Luka Modric

Who better to step up in the absence of the best player in the world last year than the best player in the world this year? 2018 FIFA Men’s Player of the Year and Balon d’Or winner Luka Modric might not be a prolific goalscorer in the ilk of Cristiano Ronaldo but his influence from midfield is no less important.

The Croatian was instrumental in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph over Liverpool last season and was the best player at the World Cup in which he captained his side to a historic runners-up finish. He has continued to impress for Madrid in spite of his team’s struggles around him and at 33 seems only to be getting better with age.

Soccer jargon was created for players like Modric whose control, vision and passing range enables him to single-handedly direct and dictate the course of a match. Real Madrid will be hoping he can do just that on Sunday as they go in search of their first league win over Barcelona since April 2016.

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