Real Madrid have been in a great run of form since the restart of the league. Now with Barcelona regularly dropping points, the title seems to be within reach of the Madrid based club. However, that does not mean that Real would be willing to move into the next season with the same squad, irrespective of the La Liga title.
They had identified Eduardo Camavinga as one of their main targets to bolster their midfield. However, RMC Sport now states that Rennes have rejected a move for the player and would be willing to refuse offers up to €80 million. Now with the youngster ruled out and any imminent transfers looking like a challenging prospect, we examine whether Zidane can manage with Dani Ceballos in the next season with Arsenal unwilling to extend the loan of the Spaniard.
Real Madrid’s midfield situation
This season Valverde has been a revelation for the side, and the Uruguayan has been rock solid at the centre of the pitch. His ball distribution and ability to make key passes have been one of the vital reasons that Real have done so well despite their forward line not firing on all cylinders. Other than him, the two players that Zidane has continuously used in the middle of the park are Kroos and Modric.
The 34-year-old Croat should not have made 26 league appearances, but due to lack of options, Zidane has fielded him so many times. However, the veteran midfielder has not given many chances to complain. Kroos, on his part, has been excellent as always and the mere fact that he has completed 93.3% of his total passes proves his importance to the squad.
With Casemiro at the defensive midfield position, we can expect Kroos and Valverde as the two central midfielders for Real next season. Modric would continue to be in the squad, but he should preferably be used sparsely throughout the term. Other than the players mentioned above, the Spanish giants do not have too many other options at this position, and that could jeopardise their prospects going into the next season.
Is Dani Ceballos the answer?
Arsenal have had a very mediocre season with none of their players making any substantial mark. The midfield, in particular, has looked in shambles at times and Dani Ceballos has been no different. Being unimpressed with his display, Arteta has decided to let him go at the end of the season (the performance against Norwich City notwithstanding).
This term he has been played at several positions, but nowhere has he been able to make a lasting impression. Although statistically, he has been decent by raking up 87.7% of successful passes in the league and making 1.1 dribbles on an average per game, his overall contributions have been limited. Going back to the Real Madrid side, Ceballos can be utilised as a squad player, but anything beyond that would be an exercise in futility for Los Blancos. Our guess is when the 23-year-old returns to the Spanish capital at the end of the season, the management would still want to encash on him or move him to a smaller side on loan.
Stats from Whoscored.
