Xabi Alonso has arrived at Real Madrid with very clear ideas, which looks set to cause a revolution in midfield. From the outset, the coach has agreed with the club that Toni Kroos’ departure has left a significant gap in the middle of the park, which has now been exacerbated by the departure of Luka Modric. Reinforcements were sought for midfield and the first, although not yet official, is now a reality. Franco Mastantuono will arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu and his signing could change everything.
Reinforcements for midfield
On Saturday, Toni Kroos returned to the Santiago Bernabéu to play in a charity match, and Real Madrid fans saw firsthand why they miss him so much. The German controlled and caressed the ball, showed his vision, and was key for the veteran team. That control of the ball and the game, and that fluidity, is something Real Madrid has lacked all season.
Real Madrid has been looking for a leader and playmaker in the transfer market. In a surprising turn of events, while players with a similar profile to Toni Kroos and with some experience at the top level were being linked with the Whites, the club has decided to go all in on young Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono.
The River Plate midfielder will wear the Real Madrid shirt until 2031 and is expected to arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu in August. His arrival has not halted the search for the necessary profile for the midfield, and the team is playing its last cards to sign a player much liked by Xabi Alonso, Martín Zubimendi.
With the arrival of new signings, the question on everyone’s lips is: what will happen now with Real Madrid’s midfield? What role will players such as Arda Güler and Camavinga play in Xabi Alonso’s plans?
Arda Güler with the arrival of Mastantuono
Real Madrid has several players with the same profile as Franco Mastantuono in its squad. One of them is Arda Güler. With the departure of Luka Modric, the Turkish player was expected to step up and take control of Real Madrid’s midfield, but with the arrival of new signings, his role is now in doubt. The Whites hope that he can become an all-rounder in midfield and contribute from deeper positions, playing in the center, as a right winger or inside forward. The latter seems to be Xabi Alonso’s bet given the arrival of a player with a similar profile to the youngster who has spent several seasons in the shadows.
Camavinga and Ceballos, put to the test
The truth is that in economic terms there is room for everyone at Real Madrid, but on the pitch there is a certain amount of overbooking in midfield that Xabi Alonso will have to manage and take advantage of. There are players such as Camavinga and Ceballos who could be put up for transfer if necessary, but first the new coach wants to get the most out of both of them and see what they can bring to the team. The coming weeks and the Club World Cup will be decisive in the final decision.