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Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has been absolutely brilliant for Los Blancos. One of the most important players in Zidane’s squad, Modric has been pulling the strings in Madrid’s midfield for close to 5 seasons now.
However, age is catching up with the Croatian and the All Whites will definitely be on the lookout for a long-term successor to the midfield magician. One of the most complete midfielders in the game, Modric is capable of both setting up goals and breaking opposition attacks. While it will be almost impossible to replace Modric, let us take a look at 5 world class midfielders who could end up succeeding the Croatian at Real Madrid:
#6 Radja Nainggolan (AS Roma)
Probably the best midfielder in Serie A at the moment, Radja Nainggolan’s all-action displays have been key to Roma’s good performances in the Serie A this season. The 28-year-old is at the top of his game at the moment and he is an integral part in the centre of the park for both Roma and the Belgium national side.
The best facet of Nainggolan is his well-rounded game. He is capable of contributing defensively, putting in hard tackles and winning the ball back for his team. At the same time, the Belgian is also more than capable of contributing offensively, often starting off his team’s attacks and picking out killer through balls.
While Nainggolan’s name has been heavily linked to Premier League sides like Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, the Belgian’s agent hinted at a move to Real Madrid in an earlier interview with Spanish publication AS.
"I believe Nainggolan will stay at Roma, although when you are talking about Real Madrid, things can change," Spinosi said (Nainggoaln’s agent). "[Roma president James] Pallotta knows that Nainggolan is very important for Roma, and could have many offers for the player. Keep an eye out for Real Madrid."
The 28-year-old’s fight, skill and determination on the ball will definitely prove to be an asset to any team in the world.
#5 Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)
25-year-old Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen has been in fine form this season. The Danish playmaker started the season slowly, but ever since the turn of the year, Eriksen has been one of the best players in the Premier League.
Blessed with immaculate vision, technique and set-piece abilities, Eriksen's good performances seem to have drawn the attention of Madrid’s arch rivals Barcelona, The Catalan side reportedly see the 25-year-old as an ideal replacement for Iniesta.
However, while the Tottenham star has not been linked with a move to Real Madrid, the Bernabeu chiefs should seriously consider signing the playmaker. Capable of completely destroying opposition defences with brilliant through balls, the Danish international would definitely supply plenty of goals to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.
Eriksen is a brilliant footballer and we might just see both Barcelona and Real Madrid fight over his signature in the summer transfer window. However, for Eriksen to play successfully at Madrid, Kroos might have to adopt a slightly more withdrawn role.
#4 Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
Struggling for regular playing time at Chelsea, Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas still definitely has the capability to produce moments of magic. Perhaps the player most similar in style to Modric, the former Barcelona playmaker would definitely cause a stir if he did indeed move to the Spanish capital.
Functioning mostly as a playmaker and known for his passing range, he will bring vision, innate creativity, and some solidity to the Real Madrid midfield. Playing in a slightly deeper and more withdrawn creative midfield role for Chelsea, Fabregas still manages to rack up impressive assist numbers every season.
Although the Spaniard has been heavily linked with a move to AC Milan, rumours of him being linked with Real Madrid have refused to die down and Madrid will actually do well if they do indeed somehow incredibly tie up the deal for the former Barcelona midfielder.
#3 Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)
Real Madrid have been on the lookout for a young central midfielder capable of coming into the squad and learning from Luka Modric given the Croatian is entering the final years of his playing career. Casemiro and Isco are the current young favourites but their inability to play in such a deep position isn’t going to benefit Madrid in the future.
Still only 21, Weigl has been immense for Borussia Dortmund in the last 2 seasons. Calm and assured on the wall, the German usually plays in the defensive midfielder position, but he has shown plenty of times that he is capable of playing in a slightly more advanced role as well.
The youngster has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid and we might see the move come to fruition in the summer transfer window. Already having played 90 games for Borussia Dortmund at the very highest level, Weigl can grow to be an excellent successor for Luka Modric at Real Madrid.
#2 Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid)
Croatian. Check. Complete midfielder. Check. Capable of contributing both towards attack and defence. Check. Supremely skilled on the ball and blessed with excellent vision. Check. Sounds familiar? No we are not talking about Luka Modric, but, his countryman and Real Madrid team-mate Mateo Kovacic.
Still only 22 and blessed with an incredible future, Kovacic is seen by many in the Real Madrid hierarchy as a perfect long-term successor to the Croatian magician Luka Modric. Although Kovacic has struggled to establish himself as a regular member of the first-team squad, his immense potential has been evident every time he has stepped onto the pitch.
The 22-year-old just like his older and more illustrious compatriot os capable of playing multiple positions across the midfield with equal ease and with more opportunities in the future, the Croatian can grow to become one of the best midfielders in the world.
#1 Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)
Italy’s best midfielder at the moment, Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti has been consistently excellent once again this season. Capable of breaking up play and setting up attacks with equal ease, Verratti has recently been linked with a big money to either Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Often compared to Andrea Pirlo, Verratti is known for his brilliant ball retention skills and his ability to pick out the right pass under pressure. Always ensuring that the ball keeps moving at the centre of the park, the Italian is probably PSG’s biggest and most important star.
The Italian’s agent has recently spoken about a possible move in the summer transfer window and we might even see the world record transfer fee broken for him as the Spanish giants battle it out to sign the talented midfielder.
