3 Real Madrid players who may step up to fill Toni Kroos retirement void

3. Luka Modric

It would be unjust to say that Modric and Kroos are like-for-like. It is why the two club legends have worked together so well in the midfield, due to them providing different elements. Therefore, they have worked together harmoniously in one of the Real Madrid's most balanced midfields of all-time.

So, Carlo Ancelotti will not ask Luka Modric to adapt his playing style. That would be a nonsensical approach, particularly this late into Modric's own career. However, there is one element to Modric's persona which will stick him out above the rest and will be invaluable to Real Madrid during the Toni Kroos retirement transitional period.

And that element is Modric's experience. Now, more than ever, Modric being the senior figure in the Real Madrid team will benefit everyone. With Kroos out of the starting lineup, the role of Modric will improve and he will have a louder voice, both behind the scenes and on the pitch.