5 midfielders who Real Madrid can sign in the summer

Real Madrid look like they might win a single trophy this season and while the blame to shift to injuries, a change of managers mid-season and more, the real problem is with the playing eleven on the field. While Cristiano Ronaldo has done his part – as usual – the commitment and the dedication of his teammates has been questioned multiple times this season. Luka Modric is a gem of a midfielder but he's been doing all he can to make up for the loss of Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso - the latter was an instrumental player when Real won La Decima. Alonso's passing range and distribution has been hugely missed by the Los Blancos. Many thought the arrival of Toni Kroos would compensate the exit of the Spaniard but in fairness, the German is yet to prove to plenty of people he can perform at a high level consistently. Further up front, Isco and James Rodriguez are tipped to quit the club this summer with Premier League giants and a roster of Europe clubs chasing the both of them. If the two of them leave, all the creative duties in midfield will be left with Modric which to any team – especially a team of Madrid's name – is almost unfair. Here's looking at five midfielders who could come into the club in the summer and really shake things up at the Santiago Bernabeu:

#5 Ilkay Gundagon

Ilkay Gundagon has been a long-term target for Real Madrid. The German is an engine; he's the kind of box to box midfielder Real Madrid have sorely missed ever since Sami Khedira left the team. Unlike Khedira, however, Gundagon is an excellent passer of the ball constantly linking up with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubmayeang and Marco Reus at Borussia Dortmund.

Alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos – or Mateo Kovacic – Gundagon can take turns with the Croatian and sit when needed or go ahead and play more of a number 10 when needed. He the capabilities to do both and excellently at that.

The biggest drawback with Gundagon would be that has the annoying habit of overindulging in food and drinks causing him to go out of shape often. Build wider than usual, Gundagon has the tendency to put on a few pounds but when checked and fit, is one of the best the world can offer.

#4 Dele Alli

Dele Alli was – as recently as last week – linked with a move to Real Madrid. Following a successful promotion-chasing campaign with MK Dons, he's impressed everyone with his performances at Tottenham Hotspur.

He's got a great burst of pace along with some beautiful ball-control and passing ability. At White Hart Lane, he plays between the holding midfielder and the central attacking midfielder more than capable of doing both roles with ease. Apart from his midfield duties, Alli is able to score wonder goals. His goal against Crystal Palace gave us a glimpse of the kind talent and skill he possesses. He took the ball on his chest, dinked it around a defender and volleyed it into the top right corner with acute precision.

The best part about Alli is that he's young. He's 19 and if Real Madrid come calling, he has all the right ingredients to make sure to become a house name at the Bernabeu.

#3 Marco Verratti

The darling of Paris Saint-Germain, Marco Verratti, will soon have a host of European clubs ready to pay top dollar to secure his services. A holding midfielder by position, Verratti is the complete package. He's agile, very agile and is not afraid to put in a tackle to steal the ball away from opposition players.

Apart from his dynamism in the middle of the pitch, Verratti is able to dictate the game with his passes. At Paris Saint-Germain, alongside Italian national team midfield partner Thiago Motta, Verratti supports the attacking front three exceptionally well hanging back and playing key passes from the centre of the pitch.

At Real Madrid, Verratti would slot in perfectly with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. With the Croatian sitting just ahead of the defence, the Italian can contribute heavily with the attack – especially since both James Rodriguez and Isco are touted to leave the club.

#2 Christian Eriksen

The second Tottenham Hotspur on the list, Christian Eriksen would be a massive asset to any team who are willing to prise him away from North London. The Dane has taken to the Premier League much like a talented English player would.

Key passes, assists and last-minute goals are only a fraction of what he's able to contribute to Mauricio Pochettino and this season – if things go just as they are – he could win a Premier League title and that would only increase his confidence and unfortunately or not, also his market value.

Eriksen is clearly one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe right now behind the likes of Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and a few more only. At Real Madrid, his directness and his eye for a through ball would greatly benefit the likes of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.

#1 Paul Pogba

Pretty much the dream signing for any team on the planet right now – barring Barcelona's Neymar – Pogba would be an ideal signing for Real Madrid. He can attack, he can defend, he can score ridiculous goals and he can turn games around when all hope is lost.

A former Manchester United youth star, Pogba has the penchant for the extraordinary. At Juventus, alongside Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira, he's able to dominate the game with his quick one-twos and lung-bursting sprints straight into enemy territory.

Pogba, however, would cost Real Madrid probably even more than Gareth Bale right now. At 22 years of age, he's also the second-youngest player on this list and by a distance, the most talented and valuable footballer.