Real Madrid recently came up against Chelsea in their pre-season tour finale. Ultimately, it was a comfortable win for Real Madrid, who took an early lead in the match and never looked like losing the lead. In fact, they were in cruise control and Chelsea looked shocked and without an option.
Part of the reason for Real Madrid's dominance in the match was Carlo Ancelotti's difficult-to-predict tactics. He is a hard-to-read coach at the best of times, which Chelsea fans will of course understand given his time there, but pre-season only gives the Italian more freedom to play around with his tactical vision.
Carlo Ancelotti hints Real Madrid have found their Toni Kroos replacement
In the match against Chelsea, Real Madrid legend Luka Modric was trialed in a new role. It was not one which was unfamiliar to the veteran midfielder, but a role he hasn't played in a while. Especially not for 90 minutes, anyway. Essentially, Luka Modric played a deeper role, acting in a double pivot.
And Modric barely put a foot wrong all game. Unsurprisingly, Modric made the new role look completely easy and it was perhaps an indication that he is prepared to do a job there in the upcoming 2024/25 season. Real Madrid are set to face Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, before they take on Mallorca in La Liga opener.
Speaking after the match against Chelsea, Carlo Ancelotti hinted that Luka Modric would play a deeper role next season. He even touched on Toni Kroos leaving the club, indicating that Real Madrid may not be looking externally to replace the German club legend.
In his own words (via GSFN), Ancelotti said: “It could be new role. Today he was the central pivot. He could also be on the left, like Toni Kroos. He has a lot of quality when bringing the ball out and helps the team a lot. He manages his timing very well, he has a lot of experience… he is a fantastic player.”
If anyone can play the Toni Kroos role, it's Luka Modric. Of course, the Croatian midfielder is a club legend in his own right and he has built his legacy based on his all-round midfield ability. If Carlo Ancelotti can take advantage of this for at least one more season, Real Madrid could be on to another winner.
Do you think Luka Modric has what it takes to play in the deep-lying midfield role this season?