Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has clarified why Jude Bellingham is not seen as the natural successor to Toni Kroos in the club’s midfield. This comes after Kroos’ emotional farewell at the Santiago Bernabéu, marking the end of his illustrious career with Los Blancos.
Toni Kroos’ Final Bow
Toni Kroos, the German midfield maestro, recently announced his decision to retire at the end of the summer, following the upcoming European Championships. His final appearance at the Bernabéu came during Real Madrid’s La Liga season finale against Real Betis, where he bid adieu to the fans who have cheered him on for the past decade. Kroos will also feature in the Champions League showcase next weekend before officially hanging up his boots.
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Carlo Ancelotti’s Perspective
In a post-match press conference after the goalless draw with Betis, Ancelotti was inevitably questioned about the significant void Kroos’ departure would leave in the team’s midfield. When asked if Jude Bellingham could be groomed to fill Kroos’ role, Ancelotti was quick to dismiss the idea. Ancelotti stated,
“Bellingham as Kroos’ heir? No, I think not. The closer Bellingham is to the penalty area, the better for us. We have other midfielders.”
The Challenge of Replacing Toni Kroos
Ancelotti acknowledged the difficulty of finding a player with Kroos’ unique skill set on the market. Kroos, who has made 464 appearances and won 21 trophies with Real Madrid, including four La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, leaves behind a legacy that is hard to match. Don Carlo explained,
“There is no player with Kroos’ characteristics on the market, but we have to replace him in another way. We have midfielders with a lot of quality and we have to adapt next season’s game to their characteristics.”
Jude Bellingham’s Role
Jude Bellingham, who has had a stellar debut season with Real Madrid, scoring 23 goals across all competitions, is seen as more effective in a forward role rather than a deep-lying playmaker. Ancelotti emphasised that Bellingham’s proximity to the penalty area is crucial for the team’s success.
Looking Ahead
As Real Madrid prepares for life without Kroos, the focus will be on leveraging the strengths of their current midfield roster. Bellingham, with his attacking prowess, will continue to play a key role, but not as a direct replacement for Kroos. The club will need to adapt their strategies to make the most of the talents at their disposal.
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With the Champions League final on June 1, Bellingham has the opportunity to add another accolade to his impressive debut season, which already includes Super Cup and La Liga triumphs. The future of Real Madrid’s midfield may look different, but under Ancelotti’s guidance, it promises to be just as formidable.
