5 players who could impress for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup
2. Mateo Kovacic
Similarly to Isco, the 22-year-old Croat has struggled to break in to the team because of the likes of Kroos, Casemiro and his international teammate Modric.
But before leaving Italian side Inter, he was the heartbeat of the side. Moving to the Bernabeu made a lot of sense for the club, but from his point of view it seemed like coming too early. Although he has featured recently, he still needs to make a big impression if he is to truly convince.
Perhaps his role lies longer term, with Modric now on the south side of 30. His ability to carry the ball and make incisive passes can be a factor in a surge to becoming a key squad member, but he needs to continue getting chances from Zidane this season.
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Facing Barcelona in El Clasico, and playing 85 minutes, was a huge step forward. On that occasion, Los Blancos dominated in the first half and Kovacic really didn’t look out-of-place. There is a reason they weren’t active in the summer, with Paul Pogba, a once prime target, moving to Manchester United instead.
Zidane has always been keen to utilise his squad, perhaps more than any other coach in Real’s recent history. In changing attitudes, he offers opportunities at the club which once wouldn’t have existed, especially in the reign of president Florentino Perez. Once again, like Isco, there could still be a future for Kovacic and the Club World Cup could be a springboard.