Real Madrid: 3 options for depth signings in midfield after Toni Kroos injury

2. US Sassuolo CM Manuel Locatelli

On number two, we have another impressive campaigner from the Euros not just that he also is from the winning National Camp, Italy. Manuel Locatelli has been a key performer for Italy at the Euros. Keeping his Euro performances aside, he also had a great season in the Seria A with six goal contributions and an average match rating of 7.08 per WhoScored in a total of 34 appearances.

He is currently valued at 35 million euros by Transfermarkt and at that price point, he could be a steal for any club. As is obvious after a lustrous Euro display he has been hovering on the transfer radar of several clubs despite having two more years left on his contract with Sassuolo.

His strengths are clearly visible in the creative aspects of his game. His through balls and dribbling abilities aids his attacking game. On the other hand, he is agile resulting in more interceptions, and thus can also chip in defensively. He has a Kroos-Esque habit of long shots and can win freekicks with some regularity.

Overall, in my opinion, he would be a great depth addition to Real Madrid’s squad. That obviously is if he agrees to a backup role. However, the time could just be right to make a move to a much bigger club and with CVC injecting some financial strength into La Liga, the times do look a little better.