da jogodeouro: Carlo Ancelotti sees “no player” on the market that can replace Toni Kroos, but has ruled out asking Jude Bellingham to provide cover at Real Madrid.
da betano casino: Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
German midfielder heading into retirementQuality & experience difficult to replaceEngland star will not be dropped back(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The Blancos are bidding farewell to a World Cup-winning midfielder, with Kroos announcing that he will be heading into retirement at the end of Euro 2024. The legendary Germany international is hanging up his boots at just 34 years of age.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Having spent 10 years at Santiago Bernabeu, taking in 464 appearances and winning 21 trophies – including four La Liga titles and as many Champions League crowns – finding a suitable successor to Kroos in the middle of the park will be no easy task for Real.
GettyWHAT ANCELOTTI SAID
There had been suggestions that England star Bellingham could be dropped back from a more attacking No.10 berth, but Ancelotti has said when asked about that tactical tinkering: “I don't think so. The closer we get to Bellingham, the better it is for us. There is no player with Kroos' characteristics on the market, but we have to replace him in another way. We have midfielders with a lot of quality and we have to adapt next season's game to their characteristics.”
WHAT NEXT?
Bellingham has enjoyed a productive debut campaign in Madrid, registering 23 goals across all competitions, and will get the opportunity on June 1 to add a Champions League triumph to a roll of honour in Spain that already includes Super Cup and La Liga glory.