Marcos Llorente: Real Madrid's passing king

There is no doubt that Marcos Llorente has seized his opportunity at Real Madrid and in Casemiro's absence, he has shown himself to be an excellent midfielder who has earned his time on the pitch.

Llorente has shown anyone who was watched that he can bring what the team often misses: balance, safety and lungs, as well as recoveries, positioning and defensive help.

But it is more than just that and Llorente has thrived in the role of defensive pivot.

In the coldness of data, his impact is clear beyond debate.

Llorente is Madrid's best passer, even beating Toni Kroos with 94.58 per cent - 401 - of his 424 attempted passing completing successfully.

In comparing him to Casemiro, we find the Brazilian has a lower percentage - just 89.88 - of his 988 passes attempted and nobody comes close to Llorente.

Dissecting the data, you will find that the statistics are consistent in defensive and attacking areas.

With Casemiro recovering, Llorente has made a case to hold down the position regardless, which seemed an impossibility when the Brazilian first fell injured.