Carlo Ancelotti suggests an alternative solution to the absence of Toni Kroos in the center of Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has two major decisions to make ahead of the new season, the first being how to fit Kylian Mbappe into his attacking plans, and who should lose his place as a result. Less has been said about replacing Toni Kroos.

It would be a big surprise if Ancelotti Simply rejigged the line-up to have Mbappe instead of Kroos. Part of the reason there has been less talk is that most assume that Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni will likely take on most of these duties, but much less has been mentioned about Luka Modric potentially returning to the line- up.

Although he has a significant absence, Modric played a lot in pre-season, and Ancelotti said AS Diary that he could be a deeper option in the midfield.

“Today he was a central pivot. He can also be a left pivot like Toni was. He has a lot of quality at the start and helps the team a lot because he manages the time very well, he has a lot of experience… He is a fantastic player.”

He was also asked if Modric It could be used here to accommodate Tchouameni who covers at centre-back more often.

“Neither. The central defenders are Rüdiger and Militao. As long as they are fit, they will play. Tchouameni has different characteristics compared to Modric, obviously, but Tchouameni is also a great pivot.” Ancelotti shaded

Of course, the use of Modric deeper is one to keep an eye on. Valverde, Tchouameni and Camavinga have all done well as deeper midfielders, but none have the fluidity to get the ball out like Kroos and Modric. Ancelotti can solve this by being a little more direct in general, but if Modric is not on the pitch, the other sides might be tempted to press a little higher, even if the alternatives are little weak under pressure .