One of the most interesting aspects of Zinedine Zidane's most recent line-ups is the fact that the Frenchman has been splitting up Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
In the six matches of the past month, they've only both started on one occasion.
Apart from when they both started against Levante, only one has taken to the field from the off.
Basically, when Zidane starts one of them he rests the other.
Against Barcelona, Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad, Kroos started and Modric was left out.
Against Manchester City and Osasuna, Modric started and Kroos was left out.
Before this run of matches came the Madrid derby, when Zidane started with five midfielders and didn't like what he saw in the first half at all and decided to take off Kroos and Isco at half time, leaving Modric, Casemiro and Fede Valverde to keep running the midfield.
Some of these decisions can be put down to the need for rotation, but that can't be considered the reason for the decisions to leave the German out against Manchester City and to leave the Croatian out against Barcelona.
There must be a tactical reason behind this, perhaps based on the growing importance of Valverde and Isco.
It was Casemiro, Kroos and Modric who played together through the three-in-a-row Champions League run, but now this trio has been broken up.
For now, it's Casemiro plus just one of these beloved midfielders.
captain Morgan
0
please is it possible to withdraw coin and how?
Rufusgeorge
0
honestly bro,I used to think zidane influenced carlo's work during thier spell together..am highly dissapointed by zidane no style managerial disposition..you remember how Carlo invented di Maria into an attacking midfielder??even with a very lean squad.i expect so much from zidane that have arrays of young promising talents at his disposal..why will Mariano not play?where is Enzo zidane?why sell llorente?kovacic...instead he wanted slow kroos and tired modric...am done with zidane already,even if he wins..his football is too boring...
you're too ungrateful bro....this modric and kross won us three champions league in a row under the supervision of boss zidane...
captain Morgan
1
Modric is weak at the moment
niubckpsy
1
RMA. vs bar
__kat02
0
valverde > modric , simple
lahmieee
2
they were the walls of the great real Madrid. You are getting older. miss u legends 😘
Hamizanharis11
1
The reason why modric on the bench : •Age •Valverde •Isco inform Hopefully zizou can balance the squad, mariano need to play more time..don’t just let benz to play alone coz he’s more no.10 than no.9
pirateZoRo7
2
the guy name valvadre is benching modric 🙏reason why they can't play all three at a time ...... valvadre got pace stamina tackle passes defense
Loaacdikop
0
Makes sense both control the mid separating them Makes it easy to control the mid
alwayshalamadrid
0
This all football app is looking like against real Madrid. Always spreading hate. This may be Zidane 's tactics.He is doing it for win. Not to separate them. Rubbish post.
well said, @autty FYI
Trevorn
5
For the better of the squad, yes. Valverde's the key to winning when he starts at that RM position. Besides Zizou's managing Modric well, given that he's 34. He can't start week in week out🤷🏾♂️
Rashnic/GOAT/CR7
1
It wasn’t zidane break them up Valverde was the one who tackled modric for starting spot
LOL
Rashnic/GOAT/CR7
4
They are getting old
maddyfootballer
1
Modric is quite old and kroos is slow AF so some energetic guy is needed and both together would not be a bonus to defence sadly
JàmesŒ
3
It wasn’t zidane break them up Valverde was the one who tackled modric for starting spot
vawdksty
1
sava
Factfootball
2
Autty the hate spreader. They have won 3 consecutive ucl playing by each other. Even xavi n iniesta stopped playing together. modric is 33 years old and Valverde nd isco have been in great form. Stop spreading hate.
Lastdance
1
It is due to the rise of valverde
💪
jeuacepst
0
Then go employ Carlo into your team. Lol
honestly bro,I used to think zidane influenced carlo's work during thier spell together..am highly dissapointed by zidane no style managerial disposition..you remember how Carlo invented di Maria into an attacking midfielder??even with a very lean squad.i expect so much from zidane that have arrays of young promising talents at his disposal..why will Mariano not play?where is Enzo zidane?why sell llorente?kovacic...instead he wanted slow kroos and tired modric...am done with zidane already,even if he wins..his football is too boring...
Muiruri Chris
4
It is due to the rise of valverde
CollinsNWE
4
you are talking about them what about james
DEBOI
1
obviously they were spilted,what zidane should have done since..they are both aging and leggy.. very slow...I expect an attacking midfielder like brahim Diaz and Rodrigo in the midfield burrow... zidane is fucking too conservative..am not a fan of zidane coaching style.too rigid for my liking...i prefer Carlo Ancelloti...
Then go employ Carlo into your team. Lol
Intermil
2
Well Zidane is being fair though, giving the younger players a chance
yapbdikmty
1
ofcouse it time for a change.... it cant be always same......and i think the results are better this way... and valverde is growing with much experience player beside him which helps in his growth too....
jeuacepst
1
obviously they were spilted,what zidane should have done since..they are both aging and leggy.. very slow...I expect an attacking midfielder like brahim Diaz and Rodrigo in the midfield burrow... zidane is fucking too conservative..am not a fan of zidane coaching style.too rigid for my liking...i prefer Carlo Ancelloti...
you expect to see one dm in casemiro and valverde as central midfielder,then brahim or Rodrigo as 10... zidane too complicated.i question his knowledge of attacking football..too juve like for my liking..
jeuacepst
2
obviously they were spilted,what zidane should have done since..they are both aging and leggy.. very slow...I expect an attacking midfielder like brahim Diaz and Rodrigo in the midfield burrow... zidane is fucking too conservative..am not a fan of zidane coaching style.too rigid for my liking...i prefer Carlo Ancelloti...
FahimTwKhan
0
Luka’s time is over, Valbarde is more complete now.. Zidane should use Valbarde over Modric with Kroos and Casemiro.. Isco to free role. Against Barca we have witnessed this chemistry.
madarista
2
ZIZO IS ONLY MAINTAINING A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR HIS MIDFIELDERS
mzeereal
2
Zizo is only maintaining a good foundation for his midfielders
karansingh11
2
well luka has to give up his place for valverde now....i guess it's fede "s time now .. annyway feel bad for our legend... but team comes 1st always...
nedblry
6
This all football app is looking like against real Madrid. Always spreading hate. This may be Zidane 's tactics.He is doing it for win. Not to separate them. Rubbish post.
IMPALER
2
U just can't come to conclusion based on this odd separation. Zidane is making tactical changes based on the situations. So, it is not that this midfield pair is over. They will be Back when perfect situation sets on
Yupakmnsu
4
It’s just like removing one tyre from two wheelers.