Real Madrid’s Midfield Blueprint: Transitioning Towards a Promising Future

Real Madrid is diligently preparing for the future, with a particular focus on midfield changes in 2023.

From an external perspective, the plan becomes evident in specific areas as midfield maestros Luka Modric and Toni Kroos gear up to eventually step aside at the end of the season.

Both players have extended their contracts for another year, continuing their longstanding service to Los Blancos. The management will meticulously handle their game load in the upcoming months, considering Modric’s remarkable efforts at the age of 37.

The arrival of Jude Bellingham adds an additional layer to the midfield equation, with the significant transfer fee and Real Madrid’s relentless pursuit of their top target indicating his anticipated starting role.

This settles three midfield debates, with Bellingham poised to assume a leading role, while Kroos and Modric provide their invaluable experience in crucial La Liga and Champions League encounters.

Dani Ceballos has also extended his stay, despite initial indications of a potential free transfer, potentially aimed at increasing his future transfer value.

With Modric, Kroos, and Ceballos rotating, two more regular starters remain to be determined, with Fede Valverde seamlessly transitioning between midfield and attack.

The return of Fran Garcia relieves Eduardo Camavinga from his left-back duties, allowing the French sensation to transition into the midfield alongside Bellingham.

This leaves the question mark hovering over Camavinga’s compatriot, Aurelien Tchouameni, in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans. Despite his high-profile move from AS Monaco last summer, Tchouameni featured in just 24 league starts out of 38 games during the 2022/23 campaign, as Ancelotti sought to assess his options.

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed Real Madrid’s firm stance of not selling the 23-year-old, despite reported interest from Liverpool.

While the spotlight shines on Bellingham, Tchouameni’s skill set appears best suited as a long-term successor to Casemiro in the No. 6 role.

Tchouameni, Camavinga, and Bellingham represent the future engine room of Real Madrid, yet Ancelotti, a creature of habit, will not let Kroos and Modric fade away easily.

Kroos currently assumes the role of the deep-lying playmaker, but with his durability lower than Modric’s, Tchouameni stands to benefit. However, his position as an undisputed starter may need to wait for another season as the transition unfolds.