REAL MADRID
Why Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are still so important for Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti can still rely on his senior midfielders, who are part of a powerful Real Madrid side full of energy and drive.
Luka Modric (37) and Toni Kroos (33) will be at Real Madrid for another season after committing their futures to the Spanish giants. The pair have decided to stay at Real Madrid because they see themselves still having plenty of game time next season. Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti are aware that, in what could be the last year at Chamartín for both players, having them at this level is a luxury. They still have so much to offer in terms of performance and as mentors to their fellow midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham.
It is a sort of Jordan-like last dance for Modric and Kroos, who will be ready for action when Ancelotti sees fit. Even the longest-serving of the young midfielders, Fede Valverde, has on more than one occasion expressed how privileged he feels to learn, especially from Kroos. “Toni is the best teacher,” said the Uruguay international.
Brazilian pair look up to Modric
Modric has a great relationship with Vinícius, to whom he has taught his famous outside-of-the-foot cross and Rodrygo affectionately calls him ‘dad’.
Modric rejects Saudi offer
Modric has postponed a possible move to Saudi Arabia because he sees himself still capable of competing at the highest level and able to combine his role at Madrid with his one Croatia ahead of the run-up to the European Championship in Germany. And he will be 38 on 9 September. The 4,198 minutes he played last season for Madrid and with Croatia show that he has so much to offer still. Kroos does not have those international commitments, so he will be a valuable asset for Ancelotti when he returns from international breaks when all the other midfielders may have left to play for their countries.