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Toni Kroos is hailed as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and has exhibited staggering consistency levels since moving to Real Madrid. The German maestro has enjoyed another stunning season for Los Blancos, as he played a pivotal role in their historic 34th La Liga triumph.
While Kroos has shown no signs of slowing down, he is 30 years of age and mentioned several times that he does not want to continue playing till his late 30s.
"I still have a three-and-a-half-year contract until the summer of 2023. Then I will be 33. That's a good age to start thinking about what I want without having a contract that runs for four years.
"It won't be long then until the end of my career."
Real Madrid facing the dreaded task of replacing Toni Kroos
Real Madrid have their work cut out for them to replace the German international, who boasts a unique skill set. Additionally, Kroos complements Luka Modric perfectly, who is also approaching the twilight years of his professional career.
With regard to his replacements, Real Madrid might have to draft in multiple players to make up for his loss in the centre of the park. No player in world football currently offers what Kroos does for Los Blancos, due to which they have their work cut out to identify his heir.
On that note, here are five world-class midfielders who could take his spot in the Real Madrid lineup in the coming years. While most of these players are not stylistically similar to the German, they could still be quality additions for Los Blancos.
#5 Dani Ceballos | Real Madrid, on loan at Arsenal
Dani Ceballos is an intriguing shout, as the Spanish midfielder is currently on loan at Arsenal and could well end up extending his stay at the club. However, the former Real Betis midfielder was highly regarded by Real Madrid and has a contract till 2023, due to which he could emerge as a wildcard option to replace Kroos.
Profile wise, Ceballos is blessed with a fine touch and has also displayed his class on the ball — much like the German maestro himself. The 24-year-old already knows what it's like to represent a club of Real Madrid's stature and is becoming a key player under Mikel Arteta, who has breathed new life into Arsenal and the Spanish midfielder.
Ceballos is still not the finished product but has time on his side to become a key player for Real Madrid in the coming years.
#4 Fabian Ruiz | Napoli
Napoli's midfield sensation Fabian Ruiz has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, as he continues to make a name for himself as one of the most exciting midfielders in his age group.
A full Spanish international, Ruiz's tactical intelligence coupled with his versatility and ability to manoeuvre his way out of tight spaces makes him a tantalising prospect for Real Madrid. Additionally, the Napoli star is at the right age to make a big move and further his development, while there is also plenty of room for improvement.
Ruiz is a key player for club and country and incredibly comfortable with the ball at his feet as he has proved with his displays at Napoli and Real Betis. Real Madrid could turn to the Spaniard in the coming years, who incidentally cited legendary Barcelona midfielder Xavi as one of his idols.
Also Read: 5 best right-backs in world football at the moment
#3 Marco Verratti | Paris Saint-Germain
Hailed as one of the best midfielders in the world, Marco Verratti's exploits for Paris Saint-Germain over the years is sure to attract interest from the European giants. The Italian midfielder is technically gifted and capable of running the show from the centre of the park, while his dribbling ability and close control has been singled out for special praise.
Additionally, Verratti's vision is also a significant feature of his gameplay, as he is capable of finding runners in behind the defence with his passing range. While he does not contribute too much in terms of goals and assists, the Italian maestro has all the desirable qualities one would expect from a deeper central midfielder — much like Kroos himself.
The 27-year-old has his prime years ahead of him and could emerge as a serious candidate for Real Madrid in the coming years.
#2 Paul Pogba | Manchester United
Amongst all the candidates on this list, Paul Pogba is the one who has been extensively linked with a move to Real Madrid. The French midfielder could leave Manchester United anytime in the next 12 months and has made no secret of his admiration for Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane, who he cites as one of his footballing idols.
Pogba's showmanship on the ball needs no introduction, having developed a reputation of being one of the most exciting players to watch on his day. In terms of his playing style, his box-to-box ability could give Real Madrid the best of both worlds, while his confidence and aura is sure to add to the La Liga giants' stature on the pitch.
With the exception of Eden Hazard, Real Madrid have refrained from spending the big-bucks on players in recent seasons. However, if Pogba were to become available, Florentino Perez could roll back the years and add another 'Galactico' to his squad, as the Frenchman prepares to enter the final year of his Manchester United contract.
#1 Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City
On his day, Kevin De Bruyne is not only the best midfielder in the world, but also one of the biggest matchwinners in world football. The Belgian maestro has enhanced his reputations in recent seasons and elevated his game to new heights under Pep Guardiola, who has seemingly built his star-studded team around the former Chelsea man.
Lauded for his unique ability to score goals as well as create them, De Bruyne is also a tireless worker ball and is capable of striking the ball with both his feet. His crossing ability is also amongst the best in the business, while the 28-year-old's long-range shooting has also been on display countless times over the years.
De Bruyne's quality is undoubted and it goes without saying that he starts for every team in world football currently. If the Belgian midfielder is on the lookout for a new challenge, Real Madrid could turn to him to add another dimension to a midfield that currently lacks end product.
Also Read: 10 most expensive transfers in Premier League history
