<p>Midfielders are the leaders in the thick of the action, the craftsmen who ensure the ball follows its intended course; they're the ones responsible for making sure the team functions like a well-oiled machine.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zidane-hopes-there-will-be-more-clasicos-for-messi-and-ramos-376467" hreflang="en">Zidane hopes there will be more Clasicos for Messi and Ramos</a></p>

<p>El Clasico brings together some of LaLiga Santander's best midfielders – and true trailblazers in this position – to pitch battle.</p>

<p><strong>Toni Kroos, the most reliable midfielder</strong></p>

<p>With a 93.52% pass completion rate, Real Madrid’s midfielder,&nbsp;<strong>Toni Kroos</strong>&nbsp;takes the crown as the player on either side with the best passing accuracy, nearing perfection in the 1,882 passes he has completed this season. German precision also makes him the midfielder with the best percentage of successful passes in the opposition half, with 92.29%.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h6><img alt="mm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="baa72cd0-315a-4c4f-a417-2252492b0ce3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Toni%20Kroos%20%28Real%20Madrid%29.jpeg" /><br />
<em>Photo credit: LaLiga</em></h6>

<p>He is closely followed by FC Barcelona midfielders&nbsp;<strong>Frenkie de Jong</strong>, who has notched up a passing accuracy of 91.83%, and&nbsp;<strong>Sergio Busquets</strong>.</p>

<p>We know that the work of midfielders is crucial to both teams, and ElClasico may well be decided in the middle of the park. So, in addition to reliability, let's analyse some of the stats behind the midfielders turning up to the season's most anticipated face-off and determine who the leaders are in each position.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Toni Kroos, the midfielder with the most assists</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<h6><img alt="mm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="271596ca-bd0c-479e-a1c8-38c7408d06ea" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ENG_Toni%20Kroos%20season%20stats.jpeg" /><br />
<em>Photo credit: LaLiga</em></h6>

<p>The German midfielder comes out on top again, and with good reason! We are talking about one of the biggest stars in every match Real Madrid play. He is the organizer and navigator for&nbsp;<i>Los Blancos</i>&nbsp;and, with eight assists, he once again not only stands as the midfielder who has set up most goals this season among the long-standing rivals but also the second-highest in assists in LaLiga Santander, along with Leo Messi and Marcos Llorente.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Frenkie&nbsp;de Jong, the midfielder with the most passes</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<h6><img alt="vv" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e488ec52-a381-424e-b28f-e644b69ffb2c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Frenkie%20de%20Jong%20%28FC%20Barcelona%29.jpeg" /><br />
<em>Photo credit: LaLiga</em></h6>

<p>FC Barcelona's playmaker midfielder leads the pack in this position for the most passes made this season. The Dutch player has been a genuine mainstay for FC Barcelona this term, having played 2,455 minutes and completed 2,227 passes – nearly one pass per minute! An amazing achievement if we take into account the possession percentage of each team throughout the game. Despite not being a 'true' goal threat, he has scored three and produced four assists in LaLiga Santander to date.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Casemiro, the best midfielder at winning the ball back</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scales on this occasion tilt decidedly in the direction of Real Madrid, with the Brazilian positioned, thanks to winning the ball back 58 times, as the player who has regained possession the most this season between the two teams set to play in El Clasico this weekend. He also ranks second highest in winning the ball back in LaLiga Santander, behind only D. Alaves’ Ruben Duarte.</p>

<p>Casemiro's job is absolutely vital. With his strong defensive profile, he plays an essential role for&nbsp;<i>Los Blancos</i>&nbsp;not only in winning the ball back and initiating counterattacks but also as a key disruptor of the opponent's game.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Luka Modric, the leading midfielder in attempted dribbles&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Another leading stat for Real Madrid, with Luka Modric a cut above the rest among the players on either sides when it comes to dribbling. The Croatian midfielder has attempted the most dribbles this season, a total of 63, of which he has successfully completed 74.6%. He has established himself as another key cog in the centre of the pitch for Zidane’s side and is also the player who has beaten the most opponents in LaLiga Santander when running with the ball. Frenkie de Jong, with 53, takes the second position among the players with the most dribbles. In third is Real Madrid's&nbsp;<strong>'Isco'</strong>&nbsp;with 31 attempted dribbles and a success rate of 83.87%.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But these are not the only midfielders arriving at the top of their game and ready to rumble. At FC Barcelona, young talents such as&nbsp;<strong>Pedri</strong>, having netted two goals, and&nbsp;<strong>Riqui Puig&nbsp;</strong>and&nbsp;<strong>Ilaix Moriba</strong>, with a goal each, have stealthily been developing match after match and are more than ready to form part of Koeman's starting line-up for El Clasico. In addition, the Dutch coach also has Miralem Pjanic, who has played 600 minutes this season, at his disposal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the opposing midfield, Real Madrid have<strong>&nbsp;Lucas Vazquez</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Fede Valverde</strong>&nbsp;to complete possible line-ups for the iconic encounter on Saturday, 10 April. Uruguay's Valverde already knows what it is like to score in a match of this importance, having netted the opener in the first EL Clasico this season played at the Camp Nou.</p>

<p><em><strong>Watch ElClasico tonight live and exclusive at 00.30 AM&nbsp;on Facebook Watch</strong></em></p>


Midfielders are the leaders in the thick of the action, the craftsmen who ensure the ball follows its intended course; they're the ones responsible for making sure the team functions like a well-oiled machine.

Midfielders are the leaders in the thick of the action, the craftsmen who ensure the ball follows its intended course; they're the ones responsible for making sure the team functions like a well-oiled machine. ALSO READ: Zidane hopes there will be more Clasicos for Messi and Ramos El Clasico brings together some of LaLiga Santander's best midfielders – and true trailblazers in this position – to pitch battle. Toni Kroos, the most reliable midfielder With a 93.52% pass completion rate, Real Madrid’s midfielder, Toni Kroos takes the crown as the player on either side with the best passing accuracy, nearing perfection in the 1,882 passes he has completed this season. German precision also makes him the midfielder with the best percentage of successful passes in the opposition half, with 92.29%. Photo credit: LaLiga He is closely followed by FC Barcelona midfielders Frenkie de Jong, who has notched up a passing accuracy of 91.83%, and Sergio Busquets. We know that the work of midfielders is crucial to both teams, and ElClasico may well be decided in the middle of the park. So, in addition to reliability, let's analyse some of the stats behind the midfielders turning up to the season's most anticipated face-off and determine who the leaders are in each position. Toni Kroos, the midfielder with the most assists Photo credit: LaLiga The German midfielder comes out on top again, and with good reason! We are talking about one of the biggest stars in every match Real Madrid play. He is the organizer and navigator for Los Blancos and, with eight assists, he once again not only stands as the midfielder who has set up most goals this season among the long-standing rivals but also the second-highest in assists in LaLiga Santander, along with Leo Messi and Marcos Llorente. Frenkie de Jong, the midfielder with the most passes Photo credit: LaLiga FC Barcelona's playmaker midfielder leads the pack in this position for the most passes made this season. The Dutch player has been a genuine mainstay for FC Barcelona this term, having played 2,455 minutes and completed 2,227 passes – nearly one pass per minute! An amazing achievement if we take into account the possession percentage of each team throughout the game. Despite not being a 'true' goal threat, he has scored three and produced four assists in LaLiga Santander to date. Casemiro, the best midfielder at winning the ball back The scales on this occasion tilt decidedly in the direction of Real Madrid, with the Brazilian positioned, thanks to winning the ball back 58 times, as the player who has regained possession the most this season between the two teams set to play in El Clasico this weekend. He also ranks second highest in winning the ball back in LaLiga Santander, behind only D. Alaves’ Ruben Duarte. Casemiro's job is absolutely vital. With his strong defensive profile, he plays an essential role for Los Blancos not only in winning the ball back and initiating counterattacks but also as a key disruptor of the opponent's game. Luka Modric, the leading midfielder in attempted dribbles Another leading stat for Real Madrid, with Luka Modric a cut above the rest among the players on either sides when it comes to dribbling. The Croatian midfielder has attempted the most dribbles this season, a total of 63, of which he has successfully completed 74.6%. He has established himself as another key cog in the centre of the pitch for Zidane’s side and is also the player who has beaten the most opponents in LaLiga Santander when running with the ball. Frenkie de Jong, with 53, takes the second position among the players with the most dribbles. In third is Real Madrid's 'Isco' with 31 attempted dribbles and a success rate of 83.87%. But these are not the only midfielders arriving at the top of their game and ready to rumble. At FC Barcelona, young talents such as Pedri, having netted two goals, and Riqui Puig and Ilaix Moriba, with a goal each, have stealthily been developing match after match and are more than ready to form part of Koeman's starting line-up for El Clasico. In addition, the Dutch coach also has Miralem Pjanic, who has played 600 minutes this season, at his disposal. In the opposing midfield, Real Madrid have Lucas Vazquez and Fede Valverde to complete possible line-ups for the iconic encounter on Saturday, 10 April. Uruguay's Valverde already knows what it is like to score in a match of this importance, having netted the opener in the first EL Clasico this season played at the Camp Nou. Watch ElClasico tonight live and exclusive at 00.30 AM on Facebook Watch

Breaking it down: El Clasico’s statistical midfield match-ups

<p>There are players who are remembered for their goals, others for their teamwork, some for both. Here is a look at eight of the top assist providers of recent years in club football’s biggest match.</p>

<p>Precise build-up play is key to scoring goals. Look no further than matches like ElClasico, where fine margins can determine everything. With this in mind, here’s a list of the top assist providers in ElClasico since the 1998/99 season.</p>

<h2>Lionel Messi</h2>

<p>The Argentine star has provided the most assists in ElClásico this century (9). He’s also the top scorer in ElClasico history, with 26 goals. This season, specifically, he sits top of the assist ranking of both sides, together with Toni Kroos, with eight assists so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rashford-and-fernandes-ensure-united-brush-off-granada-376221" hreflang="en">Rashford and Fernandes ensure United brush off Granada</a></strong></p>

<h2>Xavi</h2>

<p>Xavi Hernández was the definition of precision when delivering the ball to his teammates. The former Barcelona midfielder is a true legend of LaLiga, playing 40 times in ElClasico. In those games he provided six assists, proving the difference on many occasions.</p>

<h2>Sergi Roberto</h2>

<p>Sergi Roberto is the perfect example of a multipurpose player. His versatility has allowed him to play in ElClásico de LaLiga both as a midfielder and as a right-back. The Barça youth squad has embraced the philosophy of&nbsp;La Masía&nbsp;of maintaining possession and being precise in passing to advance in attack. In ElClásico matches, Roberto sits third among the top assist providers with a total of five.</p>

<h2>Karim Benzema</h2>

<p>Real Madrid’s French striker, in addition to scoring goals, also knows how to link up and provide assists for teammates. Benzema ranks fourth in the assists rankings in LaLiga ElClasico fixtures in the past 23 years, providing four assists.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/last-gasp-slavia-leave-arsenals-europa-league-hopes-in-balance-376223" hreflang="en">Last-gasp Slavia leave Arsenal's Europa League hopes in balance</a></strong></p>

<h2>Jordi Alba</h2>

<p>The left flank is definitely an area that Barcelona will look to exploit come this weekend’s ElClasico. Left-back Jordi Alba is key to attacks from wide, and is of course among the fixture’s most prolific assist providers, with four. The Catalan has already provided four assists this season and is also key to the team’s passing game, having made 1821 passes this campaign, fourth most in the entire competition.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Roberto Carlos</h2>

<p>Another left back, this time a legend for Real Madrid. Fans of&nbsp;Los Blancos&nbsp;fell in love with the Brazilian thanks to his exciting and tireless roaming down the flank in the 1990s and 2000s. His power, speed and attacking ability saw him provide four assists in LaLiga ElClasico fixtures during his career, in addition to a number of goals.</p>

<h2>Dani Alves</h2>

<p>Another Brazilian defender, this time a right-back, who left his mark on the history of ElClásico was Dani Alves. The Barça defender managed to make four assists against Real Madrid in LaLiga Santander.</p>

<h2>Andres Iniesta</h2>

<p>Like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta is a veritable legend of LaLiga. Iniesta enamoured fans the world over with his style and quality and playing in 38 ElClasico fixtures during his time at Barcelona. The former Barça midfielder and World Cup winner is one of the top assist providers of Real Madrid-FC Barcelona in LaLiga Santander over the last 23 years, with a total of three assists.</p>

<h2>Where to watch ElClasico?</h2>

<p>Watch ElClasico live on Sunday at 00.30 am IST on Facebook Watch.</p>


There are players who are remembered for their goals, others for their teamwork, some for both. Here is a look at eight of the top assist providers of recent years in club football’s biggest match.

There are players who are remembered for their goals, others for their teamwork, some for both. Here is a look at eight of the top assist providers of recent years in club football’s biggest match. Precise build-up play is key to scoring goals. Look no further than matches like ElClasico, where fine margins can determine everything. With this in mind, here’s a list of the top assist providers in ElClasico since the 1998/99 season. Lionel Messi The Argentine star has provided the most assists in ElClásico this century (9). He’s also the top scorer in ElClasico history, with 26 goals. This season, specifically, he sits top of the assist ranking of both sides, together with Toni Kroos, with eight assists so far. ALSO READ: Rashford and Fernandes ensure United brush off Granada Xavi Xavi Hernández was the definition of precision when delivering the ball to his teammates. The former Barcelona midfielder is a true legend of LaLiga, playing 40 times in ElClasico. In those games he provided six assists, proving the difference on many occasions. Sergi Roberto Sergi Roberto is the perfect example of a multipurpose player. His versatility has allowed him to play in ElClásico de LaLiga both as a midfielder and as a right-back. The Barça youth squad has embraced the philosophy of La Masía of maintaining possession and being precise in passing to advance in attack. In ElClásico matches, Roberto sits third among the top assist providers with a total of five. Karim Benzema Real Madrid’s French striker, in addition to scoring goals, also knows how to link up and provide assists for teammates. Benzema ranks fourth in the assists rankings in LaLiga ElClasico fixtures in the past 23 years, providing four assists. ALSO READ: Last-gasp Slavia leave Arsenal's Europa League hopes in balance Jordi Alba The left flank is definitely an area that Barcelona will look to exploit come this weekend’s ElClasico. Left-back Jordi Alba is key to attacks from wide, and is of course among the fixture’s most prolific assist providers, with four. The Catalan has already provided four assists this season and is also key to the team’s passing game, having made 1821 passes this campaign, fourth most in the entire competition. Roberto Carlos Another left back, this time a legend for Real Madrid. Fans of Los Blancos fell in love with the Brazilian thanks to his exciting and tireless roaming down the flank in the 1990s and 2000s. His power, speed and attacking ability saw him provide four assists in LaLiga ElClasico fixtures during his career, in addition to a number of goals. Dani Alves Another Brazilian defender, this time a right-back, who left his mark on the history of ElClásico was Dani Alves. The Barça defender managed to make four assists against Real Madrid in LaLiga Santander. Andres Iniesta Like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta is a veritable legend of LaLiga. Iniesta enamoured fans the world over with his style and quality and playing in 38 ElClasico fixtures during his time at Barcelona. The former Barça midfielder and World Cup winner is one of the top assist providers of Real Madrid-FC Barcelona in LaLiga Santander over the last 23 years, with a total of three assists. Where to watch ElClasico? Watch ElClasico live on Sunday at 00.30 am IST on Facebook Watch.

LaLiga Special: The great assist providers of El Clasico

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Breaking it down: El Clasico’s statistical midfield match-ups

LaLiga Special: The great assist providers of El Clasico