Toni Kroos Is a Lot of Kroos. Just ask Carlo Ancelotti, who has been missing him all season.
Ancelotti Doesn't Overthink It, He Already Has His New Toni Kroos
Real Madrid has set as a goal in planning for the next season to fill the gap left by Kroos. It's not easy. Besides the personal charisma within the group, the candidate must have specific characteristics that allow him to move all his teammates.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid already has its Toni Kroos version 2.0. Almost unintentionally. They went to the Premier League looking for a full-back and found an absolutely top architect.
Ancelotti doesn't want to overthink it. He already has it. He needs a footballer capable of moving the entire team from the center.
He Makes 50-Meter Passes and Sets the Pace of the Matches
A midfielder who makes 50-meter passes and knows how to set the pace of the matches. He already has it. And Jude Bellingham endorses him.
No one like Alexander-Arnold to take on the responsibility of replacing Toni Kroos. For Ancelotti, it's easier to cover the absence of a full-back than that of an organizing pivot.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti no longer thinks of Trent Alexander-Arnold as a full-back. The reports he receives speak of his offensive talent and defensive gaps. Something like Marcelo.
He's Not a Natural Marker
The last duel with City, which ended with a Liverpool victory, marked him with a negative record. Doku, the citizen winger, dribbled past him 12 times throughout the 90 minutes.
The Italian coach doesn't see in his full-backs a defender with defensive deficiencies. Instead, he does see Alexander-Arnold ahead of the defense and organizing the offensive play.
It's his strength. The 50-meter ball movements launching fast wingers. That's precisely what Vinícius and Mbappé need to shine at their best level.
The right-back position will be Carvajal's, and the left will continue to be shared by Mendy and Fran García. Alexander-Arnold will focus on other tasks.
Little did Alexander-Arnold imagine when he gave his blessing to the signing of Alexander-Arnold that he was signing the heir to Toni Kroos.