Real Madrid Duo have become essential for Zidane

Real Madrid's Clasico backstory

Two members of the Real Madrid squad, Lucas Vazquez and Mateo Kovacic, have gained continued prominence in recent weeks and deservedly so, based on their performances.

They haven't often been considered regular starters in the Real side and, on paper at least, are only thought of in that regard due to injuries or rotation.

But both players have endeavoured to make the most of the chances that have came their way of late and are certainly succeeding.

Each day at Valdebebas, they continue to improve and impress Zinedine Zidane, following his instructions perfectly - something that they have demonstrated in matches too.

On the biggest stage of all - El Clasico at the Camp Nou - the two were arguably Real Madrid's most outstanding players as they battled to a 1-1 draw.

Their inclusion in the starting line-up for that clash hadn't been discussed much in the week prior to the game but they had earned their place.

They proved that point over the course of a pulsating encounter, with the Croatian providing a perfect partner to Luka Modric and making life very difficult for Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic and Andre Gomes.

He won many battles and showed personality and physicality in his performance, despite being just 22 years of age. In the thick of the action, he was replaced with three minutes left without giving away a single foul.

The Galician, deployed on the right wing, was called upon to perform more of a defensive task and nullified the offensive threat of Jordi Alba very well.

He covered more distance than any other player on the field with 11.89 kilometres, followed by Sergi Roberto on 11.57, and his 90 percent pass completion rate was very impressive for a player in the final third.

However, that display isn't the first great performance that the duo have put in on the big stage as, at the Estadio Vicente Calderon, they showed that they are well prepared for tough away fixtures against title contenders.

Worrying injuries to Toni Kroos and Gareth Bale have been dealt with perfectly by Kovacic and Vazquez stepping up to the plate and Zidane knows that better than anyone.