Carlo Ancelotti hints at Madrid’s post-Toni Kroos midfield

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has two big decisions to make ahead of the new season, the first being how to fit Kylian Mbappe into his attacking plans and the second being who will lose their place because of it. What is certain is that Mbappe cannot replace Toni Kroos.

It would be a huge surprise if Ancelotti simply rearranged the squad to include Mbappe instead of Kroos. Part of the reason there has been little talk is because most people assume Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni will likely take on most of those duties, but few have talked about Luka Modric’s possible return to the team.

Despite his notable absence, Modric has played a lot in pre-season and Ancelotti told Diario AS that he could be a deeper option in midfield.

“Today he is a central midfielder. He can also be a left-winger like Toni. He has a lot of qualities to start with and helps the team a lot because he manages his time very well, he has a lot of experience… He is a great player.”

He was also asked whether Modric could be used there to support Tchouameni to cover at centre-back more often.

“No, no. The centre-backs are Rudiger and Militao. As long as they are fit, they will play. Tchouameni has different characteristics to Modric, obviously, but Tchouameni is also a great pivot,” Ancelotti clarified.