Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have been two of the greatest midfielders of their generation, and they have been a big reason why Real Madrid have been so successful over the past 10 years.
However, neither started in Real Madrid’s 3-0 defeat to Barcelona on Saturday night, and AS have reported that both players will only be part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for next season.
At 37 and 33 respectively, neither Modric nor Kroos are in their prime anymore and compared to Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and new signing Jude Bellingham, they are unlikely to have the ability of their younger counterparts .
Even if they are not regular starters, Modric and Kroos will play a big role for Real Madrid in the 2023-2024 season, in terms of leadership, mentorship and also in the big moments, such as the big games.
It feels like a changing of the guard at Real Madrid, but there is absolutely no doubt that the Croatian and the German will still be important to Ancelotti.
The Italian coach will naturally rely on the younger players in most matches, giving less space to the duo.