Casemiro

Casemiro supplied defensive structure to a Real Madrid midfield containing Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić. Recovering the ball was only useful if he then made possession playable for them, and his quick, uncomplicated distribution helped do that. UEFA's reports on Madrid's European successes consistently identify the balance of the trio. He belongs because his role made the team's creative strengths more sustainable, without pretending those partners had no defensive responsibilities of their own.