Real Madrid continue to have some of the biggest midfield names in the world in the form of Jude Bellingham, Bernardo Silva, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Yet, it is clear that there still is a lacuna that needs to be filled – a creative controlling presence who can bring order to the field.
In the past, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric would combine with ease and execute both elements of the game to perfection. Since their departures, however, the club has clearly lacked control and creative output in critical game states.
In an elaborate interview with AS recently, former Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti opened up on how a lot has changed at the club since the midfield stalwarts left the club.
"I don't want everything I say about Madrid to be interpreted as criticism, but when Modrić or Kroos were there, every movement into space was followed by a ball arriving there,"he began cautiously.
He then spoke on the difference between the current crop of players and the likes of Kroos and Modric who defined an era for the club.
"I'm not saying that the footballers they have now don't have that ability. What I'm saying is that, to play vertically, you need someone who knows how to deliver the ball."
"Being vertical doesn't mean having eight runners. It also means having someone who can launch them. It's a style of play,"he added.
Davide Ancelotti worked closely with Kroos. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Ancelotti was then asked what Real Madrid lost when Kroos retired from the game, to which he said,
"You lose something that you will never get back. The best player in the world in his position. You can't say, 'I need another Kroos,' because there isn't another one."
Praising Kroos for his ability to control the game, change its tempo and keep matters under control irrespective of the situation, the manager said,
"He was the owner of the match. He controlled the tempo. The game was played at the rhythm he wanted. He decided things, and he was fundamental because he managed the pace of the match."
"And on top of that, he ran. He was a player who covered 11 kilometres per match. He knew how to defend and had a strong tactical understanding. I loved him when he played as a number 6. I really loved it,"he added.
When asked if Kroos preferred playing as a number six or a number eight, Ancelotti said,
"He didn't particularly like going after second balls or getting involved in duels. He preferred playing as an 8 because he left the dirty work to the 6."
Carlo Ancelotti's son then made it clear that the loss of Kroos was too much for Los Blancos to handle.
Real Madrid are yet to recover from Toni Kroos' departure. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
"Inevitably, for the way Real Madrid played, losing Toni was extremely difficult. Suddenly, they lost so many things."
Finally, he stated how he remained on good terms with the club legends and how Kroos even played a role in shaping his journey as a manager.
"[I'm on good terms] with everyone, with everyone. With Modrić too. But yes, I talked a lot about football with Toni because he's a very intelligent guy."
"He challenges you and makes you think. He always has an interesting point of view about things. He made you better as a coach. It was a shame that he left,"he added.
Towards the end of the segment, the manager was asked if Rodri was the closest profile Real Madrid could have signed to replace Kroos.
"Yes. Rodri would fit anywhere. He is a special player"
"You shouldn't go looking for a copy of Toni. Madrid will find its balance. With Rodri or without him, they will be competitive until the end, as always. In the end, when it matters, Madrid is always there,"he concluded.
