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Real Madrid: 5 most important players heading into 2019-2020

By Kevin Parvizi

MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 13: New signing of Real Madrid Eden Hazard attends the press release following his signing ceremony at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on June 13, 2019. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 13: New signing of Real Madrid Eden Hazard attends the press release following his signing ceremony at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on June 13, 2019. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – JULY 07: Casemiro of Brazil celebrates after winning during the Copa America Brazil 2019 Final match between Brazil and Peru at Maracana Stadium on July 07, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – JULY 07: Casemiro of Brazil celebrates after winning during the Copa America Brazil 2019 Final match between Brazil and Peru at Maracana Stadium on July 07, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images) /

2. Casemiro

Opposing managers and teammates alike have praised Casemiro over the years, as he’s been a game-changer for Real Madrid ever since Zinedine Zidane made him a regular in the starting lineup a couple of years ago. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric may be bigger names, but Casemiro is the midfielder who covers all the gaps for Real.

When Real failed to win the Champions League in 2014-2015, they had issues defending Paul Pogba when facing Juventus in the semifinals. That year, it became clear that Kroos could not be masqueraded as a true defensive midfielder, and Real had to get serious about finding a true defensive presence at the heart of their formation. Luckily, they had a tailor-made option in Casemiro at FC Porto, who returned to Real on a buyback and has exceeded expectations since as a multi-time Champions League winner.

Last year, Casemiro was clearly Real’s best midfielder and even finished as the team’s leader in tackles per game, per WhoScored.com. He is a crisp passer and a relentless defender who offers cover for the fullbacks and the notoriously headstrong Sergio Ramos.

Wise beyond his years, the 27-year-old is on the shortlist of the world’s best center midfielders and is Real’s unsung hero. Another big 2019-2020 campaign from the Brazilian superstar could help Madrid go far in the Champions League.

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