Real Madrid have a situation to solve in midfield, and it has both its pros and cons.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have a surplus of bodies for four starting positions, and the manager has had a difficult time managing the minutes of all players involved.
While indeed the lack of minutes for certain players like Arda Guler is a drawback, the presence of veterans like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the squad helps the younger players hone their skills and take steps in the right direction.
All in all, the healthy mix of youngsters and veterans is thus a boon for the club as it builds a healthy ecosystem behind the scenes.
Speaking to the media (h/t Madrid Zone) about his veteran teammates in a recent interview, Real Madrid star boy Jude Bellingham opened up on what he looked up to the most in Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
" Toni Kroos and Luka Modric play a totally different game. They see things before they happen on the pitch and always seem to be so calm," he said, pointing out that their decision-making was always on point.
He was then quizzed on what his niche at Real Madrid was on the field, especially considering the plethora of roles he has operated in over the years in midfield.
"When I was at Dortmund for three years, first year I played more like a No.6. The last two years were more like a No.8. This year, it has been like a No.10."
"I think people are trying very hard to put a stamp on my role and want to call it something specific. I think it’s just a free-roaming midfielder, really," he added.
While Bellingham does play as an attacking midfielder for Los Blancos, his role even for the English National Team sees him deployed in a deeper position. Needless to say, his versatility is one of the key factors that will take him to greatness.