Where does Real Madrid’s midfield rank among the best in the world in 2022?

1. Real Madrid

There was never any doubt, isn’t it? Real Madrid’s first-choice midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Carlos Casemiro is the most functioning partnership in midfield that the footballing world had ever seen or will ever see in a long time. While Casemiro has struggled with his form, the Brazilian has been immense in big games, the Supercopa semifinal being the latest example.

The midfield under Carlo Ancelotti has looked much more specialized with tasks divided among the three. While Casemiro is the workhorse who needs to drop back and support the defense, Toni Kroos has been their strongest passing channel who has been putting up the dirty work for Real Madrid without catching the spectator’s eye but certainly increasing the analysts’ work. The midfield has also been very functional in supporting each other, there is never a key area vacated. For example, whenever Casemiro seems to work the ball forward one of the midfielders takes a covering position to support the ball carrier.

Now coming to the star of Real Madrid’s midfield, Luka Modric has been playing like a teenager at 36 years of age. He scored a beautiful goal, has been tallying up assists, captaining the side in absence of Karim Benzema, and working at his highest potential. He recovers the balls quickly, has smart off the ball movement to allow himself to be a passing outlet, and links everything up in the middle of the park. These three have helped Real Madrid dominate numerous games in the past and present. And, Toni Kroos as always has dealt only in Golazos.

Real Madrid’s midfield is a conventional three-man compact system that operates exactly as a midfield should. They are the backbone of the attack and are the main component of Los Blancos’ progressive play. No forwards other than the center-forward drops deep to link the play up. Real Madrid has also been opposed to playing advanced attacking midfielder which is why they haven’t invested in any of them recently but the one remaining veteran, Isco, has been stacking up the goals. Another out-of-favor star, Dani Ceballos has looked like he can contribute after all.

On the bench are two brilliant options for Carlo Ancelotti, Fede Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga. Both of them have done enough for fans and experts to agree on their capability and talent. The future certainly looks bright in Real Madrid’s midfield. The best part about this contingent is the clarity it possesses. Even the younger players are gearing up in the same style. The transfer policy also seems to focus on only players that fit this scheme. The links with players like Aurelien Tchouameni and Franck Kessie seem to suggest that Real Madrid is looking to find the player to replace Casemiro in the future and continue being the club with the greatest midfield in the years to come.

As things stand right now, Real Madrid will undoubtedly take the crown away for the best midfield. They are a unit to watch, the smart creative bits, the linkups, the driven shots, the quick ball recoveries, and a passing range of the dreams, this is the side to watch if you want to watch some conventional midfield action. Mesmerizing!