#ElClasico, a cosmopolitan clash par excellence

#ElClasico is the epitome of what the beautiful game is all about. It is a pulsating footballing spectacle showcasing raw passion and emotion. The whole world draws to a standstill to enjoy one of the greatest events on earth, one in which diversity and cosmopolitanism also reign supreme – to the extent that the latest instalment of the long-running rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will feature players hailing from up to 14 different countries.

Both clubs have nine Spaniards in their ranks. Kiko Casilla, Ruben Yañez, Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Marco Asensio, Isco, Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Morata make up Los Blancos' Spanish armada, while Jordi Masip, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto, Sergio Busquets, Denis Suarez, Andres Iniesta, Paco Alcacer and the injured Aleix Vidal comprise Barça's domestic contingent.

There are five French players between the two squads, making France one of the most heavily represented foreign countries. While Madrid boast Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane, the latter of whom is sidelined, Barcelona have a trio of Les Bleus internationals among their defensive options in the shape of Lucas Digne, Samuel Umtiti and Jeremy Mathieu. Five is also the magic number in terms of Brazilians: Danilo, Marcelo and Casemiro could be involved for the hosts at the Bernabeu, while the visitors will be missing their boys from Brazil, Rafinha and Neymar, through injury and suspension respectively.

Portugal could also play a key role in the proceedings. Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the charge for Zinedine Zidane's troops and he has two compatriots at the club, namely Fabio Coentrao and Pepe, although the former is a fringe figure and the latter is nursing a fractured rib. For his part, Andre Gomes will be hoping to work his magic in the Catalans'midfield. Speaking of the middle of the park, this is precisely the area in which three silky Croatian schemers will be bidding to make their presence felt, with Madrid's Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic potentially coming up against international teammate Ivan Rakitic. 

Over in Germany, the focus will be on the home team's Toni Kroos and the away side's Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while Argentinian attentions will centre on Azulgranas duo Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi. Last but not least, a further seven countries will be looking to a lone ranger to fly their flag in this edition of #ElClasico: the people of Costa Rica, Wales, Colombia and the Dominican Republic will respectively be keeping a keen eye on Madrid's Keylor Navas, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Mariano, if they get the nod, while Barcelona's Jasper Cillessen (the Netherlands), Arda Turan (Turkey) and Luis Suarez (Uruguay) are the sole representatives from their nations who could take part in the big match.