Why Sami Khedira Is the Perfect Fit to Start for Real Madrid Against Eibar

With Luka Modric sidelined through injury, Sami Khedira looks set to make his first league start of the season in Real Madrid’s match away to Eibar on Saturday.

Speculation continues to circulate regarding the German international’s long-term future at the Bernabeu. His contract expires at the end of the season and the Spanish radio program El Larguero (h/t AS) reported on Wednesday that he has already come to an agreement with Bayern Munich (a claim Bayern later denied).

But in the here and now, Khedira represents Carlo Ancelotti’s best choice for this weekend’s fixture against an energetic and well-organised Eibar side who have made a good start to their first-ever top-flight campaign.

With Modric likely to be out of action for between three and four months, as per AS, and Asier Illarramendi not fully fit, Isco and Khedira represent Ancelotti’s two options to replace Modric on Saturday.

Both AS and Marca report that it will be Khedira who gets the nod for the trip to the Basque Country. Isco could still start, but if he does so, it is likely to be in place of James Rodriguez.

One reason for Khedira’s probable inclusion is his pre-existing relationship with Toni Kroos. The pair formed two-thirds of Germany’s World-Cup-winning midfield and were both superb in the 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the semi-final.

They also started together in a double pivot in the friendly win over Spain on Tuesday.

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They demonstrated a good understanding, with one holding station to provide cover whenever the other moved forward. Kroos was the primary distributor, while Khedira made supporting runs and did the majority of the defensive work.

He made five tackles, two interceptions and three clearances, as per WhoScored.com.

Both were easily turned by Isco on occasion, although they were certainly not the first pair of midfielders in recent times to be bedazzled by their club-mate’s slick ball skills.

In hazardous conditions, they formed a solid partnership in the centre of the park. Khedira also proved that he is capable of providing the necessary cover to allow Kroos to step forward and get involved higher up the pitch.

Khedira also offers Ancelotti a physical presence that could prove invaluable against an Eibar side who have provided a strong threat from dead-ball situations so far this season.

Ancelotti’s decision to rush Khedira back from injury for the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid in May was likely to have been motivated, at least partly, by the assistance he provides in defending against set pieces. With a broad, 6’2” frame, he is capable of giving as good as he gets inside the penalty area.

Per WhoScored, 30.77 percent of Eibar’s league goals to date have come from set pieces—the fourth-highest ratio in the league, behind Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Almeria.

Javi Lara and Saul Berjon regularly produce high-quality deliveries into the area, while the height of the likes of Raul Albentosa (6’4”) and Mikel Arruabarrena (6’2”) make them ideal targets. Eibar’s varied set-piece routines have kept their opponents guessing.

Along with Pepe and Sergio Ramos, Khedira will have a key role to play in helping defend against this danger.

Madrid have a relatively easy schedule in the run-up to Christmas and should not unduly miss Modric, despite his obvious qualities. Ancelotti has enough options at his disposal to be able to rotate his midfielders in line with the attributes of each opposing team.

And against Eibar on Saturday, it is Khedira who looks the perfect fit.