Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane are majorly credited with Real Madrid‘s recent success on the European stage. Considering the substantial drop-off Los Blancos have experienced since their departure, this notion does seem to have some merit. However, the said feats would’ve been impossible without the midfield trinity of Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kross. Their stupendous control over the game, aside from their consistency, has propelled Real Madrid to the top of the pyramid. Even so, with a combined age of 96, the men in white will soon have the Herculean task of finding an heir to their throne. On that note, let’s take a look at six midfielders who can be the ideal replacements for Real Madrid’s current midfield trio.
6. Leon Goretzka
There is no doubt in Leon Goretzka’s ability on this date, with the German establishing his might at Bayern Munich. Goretzka has been a revelation at the Allianz Arena, ever since he joined the Bavarians from Schalke back in 2018. An integral part of the Bayern side that won the treble in the 2019-20 season, the 26-year-old midfielder is one-half of the double pivot system at his club. While his recent four-year contract extension makes a future transfer highly unlikely, he is still an ideal player for Real Madrid.
5. Antonio Blanco
The most unknown entity on the list, Antonio Blanco has already established a fanbase among the Madridistas due to his immense potential. Touted to succeed Casemiro at the base of Real Madrid’s midfield, Blanco has wooed audiences with his splendid performances with the Castilla side. A fantastic playmaker, the 21-year-old prospect has all the traits of a modern Spanish midfielder. If he continues to be on his current trajectory, Blanco is sure to succeed at Real Madrid.
4. Aurelien Tchouameni
The 21-year-old Monaco sensation has exploded onto the scene recently. A highly-rated prospect at Bordeaux, Tchouaméni is currently one of the hottest properties in Europe right now. Primarily a defensive midfielder, the Frenchman has the ability to play a more central role as well as the control to charge forward without any difficulties. Having recently earned his maiden international call-up, Tchouaméni has the potential to become a regular in the Real Madrid midfield.
3. Paul Pogba
Real Madrid’s everlasting interest in acquiring Paul Pogba’s services is common knowledge now. While Manchester United have been able to successfully fend off all offers for their erratic superstar, Pogba’s current contractual dispute could see him leave on a free. A brilliant box-to-box midfielder, the Frenchman can produce majestic passes when given the freedom. Subsequently, he can be an ideal replacement for Toni Kroos next summer.
2. Eduardo Camavinga
Real Madrid’s latest signing, Eduardo Camavinga has proficiently asserted his dominance at the Bernabeu in his initial days. Aged just 18, Camavinga already has 96 top-flight appearances under his belt. Possessing the potential to become an absolute world-beater in the coming years, the Frenchman is especially known for his versatility. Apart from his ability to tackle, Camavinga likes to dictate play from the center of the park. Having signed h for a cut-price rate of €31m, Real Madrid have a certified future superstar on their hands.
1. Federico Valverde
While other players on the list could be potential starters at Real Madrid, Federico Valverde is already making great strides at the Bernabeu. The Uruguayan youngster has amassed 113 appearances for Los Blancos at the time of writing and is considered to be indispensable. Due to his pace and technical skills, Valverde has emerged as one of the best La Fabrica graduates in recent times. Regarded as a generational talent, the 23-year-old superstar is the perfect candidate to lead Real Madrid’s midfield in the coming years.
