Real Madrid vs Manchester City: 3 battles to watch out for | Champions League 2019-20

Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane

2) Toni Kroos vs Kevin de Bruyne

Leicester City v Manchester City - Premier League
Leicester City v Manchester City - Premier League

Toni Kroos and Kevin de Bruyne are two of the best midfielders in the world. Kroos is Madrid's midfield metronome; the German's precise passing, calm demeanor and press-resistance have been key to Madrid winning so many UCL titles in recent years.

Sitting in a deeper role, Kroos will pull the strings for the home side, trying to be positive and keep possession. But his task will not be easy considering he will be up against the mercurial De Bruyne.

The Belgian attacking midfielder is City's most technically proficient player. De Bruyne's vision, passing and shooting are arguably unmatched by any attacking midfielder. He will be looking to pressure Kroos, and occupy the pockets of space that the German cannot cover.

Playing in the half-spaces, De Bruyne will be City's creator-in-chief. And he has the ability to punish Madrid if they give him the space he needs to weave his magic.

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Edited by Musab Abid
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