There is a lot to be done at Real Madrid in the coming months. Not every season can be a winner, but this season, beyond the titles lost, the team has been weighed down and condemned by its image, its lack of desire, and the overall decline in performance of a squad that is now in question in virtually every area. The main target of criticism has been Carlo Ancelotti, but it is clear that the problems did not lie solely with the coach.
In defense, beyond the constant injuries, the poor performance of players such as Alaba, Lucas Vázquez, Fran García, and Mendy has been more than evident, condemning the team on multiple occasions and turning them, at times, into a veritable sieve. If you can’t keep a clean sheet, you have to score goals, and the team has also failed in that regard.
Beyond Mbappé, who is finishing the season on a high note, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, and company have not had their best season, with several of them failing to find the back of the net for several months. This is unforgivable for a team that wants to fight for every title. In addition, in midfield, where both facets connect, no one has been able to fill the gap left by Toni Kroos. Only Ceballos at times and Modric have filled that void, but without the necessary continuity for the team to consider going to the market.
The new Kroos, a priority target for Real Madrid
Real Madrid has been looking for its new Toni Kroos for months. The season has made it clear that there was a lack of direction in midfield. An organizer who could connect the lines and had vision. This need has also been recognized by new coach Xabi Alonso, who has reportedly passed on this request to the club ahead of the transfer window.
In recent months and weeks, many names have been mentioned for this position, with Zubimendi and Wirtz always at the forefront, but names such as Vitinha, Stiller, and Reijnders have also been mentioned. These are important players with a similar profile that Real Madrid likes. However, several of them also had a common denominator, which was their high price and the enormous competition that seems to have distanced them from the team.
A difficult signing, but not impossible
In the search for the perfect central midfielder to fill the void left by Toni Kroos on the pitch, there is one player who has always been seen as the perfect, unattainable dream signing who would also perpetuate the Spanishization process that Real Madrid is undergoing with the arrival of Xabi Alonso, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras.
We are not talking about Zubimendi but Rodri, the Ballon d’Or winner and Manchester City stalwart. According to Cadena SER journalist Pacojó, the Spanish midfielder is on Real Madrid’s agenda, and although the deal is not easy, it is not considered “impossible” but “unlikely.”
Rodri is back
After seven months out with injury, the Spanish midfielder returns to the squad in the final stretch of the season, when Guardiola’s side are fighting for their place in next season’s Champions League. In September 2024, Rodri Hernández suffered a serious knee injury and at the time it was believed that his 24/25 season was over. However, the Spanish international has returned in time to lend a hand to his team in a season to forget, where his absence has been sorely felt. The player has been included in the squad for Tuesday’s match at the Etihad Stadium, although he is likely to start on the bench.