Real Madrid News
Real Madrid fear Toni Kroos will retire at the end of the season – report
As we enter the second half of the campaign, Real Madrid have their task cut out as they look to renew the contracts of several star players, who, as things stand right now, will become free agents at the end of the season.
The long list includes players such as Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos, along with Dani Ceballos. While Real Madrid are expected to receive positive responses from Modric and Benzema, there is some amount of uncertainty over the continuity of Kroos.
The German midfielder, who was not a part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has hinted in the past that he may opt for an early retirement. The former Bayern Munich start had announced his retirement from international football last year, shortly after Germany’s debacle at Euro 2020.
Although Kroos has continued to play at the top level for Real Madrid, notably emerging as one of the top performers in the UEFA Champions League last term, a report from AS (h/t Madrid Xtra) suggests that the midfielder may retire at the end of this season.
German players are no strangers when it comes to early retirements. Kroos, aged 32, has featured in 383 competitive matches for Real Madrid, helping Los Blancos secure five Champions League titles, among other accolades.
Kroos is one of the most-used players for Real Madrid even in the ongoing campaign, having featured in almost 1,400 minutes of football in all competitions.
His retirement, therefore, could serve as a major blow for Real Madrid, who are already scouting the market for midfield reinforcements next summer. The club have reportedly identified Jude Bellingham as one of the top targets, but Kroos’ departure may force them to invest in another young midfielder in 2023.
Kroos, though, is yet to announce his final decision. He has the option of extending his contract at Santiago Bernabeu for a further year, and the midfielder may come up with a final verdict soon after the turn of the year, with the club expecting a decision by the end of January.
Real Madrid have an interesting selection dilemma at left-back, with Marc Cucurella and Alvaro Carreras competing for a starting spot under Jose Mourinho.
While Cucurella brings experience and an established reputation, Carreras is making an increasingly convincing case to become the team’s first-choice option.
The battle between the two Spaniards is particularly relevant given Madrid’s defensive difficulties so far this season.
Mourinho is searching for greater defensive stability and has an important choice to make between Cucurella and Carreras.
Carreras offers the defensive security Madrid need
One of Carreras’ biggest strengths is his ability to defend in one-v-one situations.
The 23-year-old generally looks comfortable against direct wingers, showing patience in his positioning and making it difficult for opponents to get past him.
That defensive reliability is particularly valuable in Mourinho’s system, where full-backs can find themselves isolated when Madrid lose possession.
Cucurella, meanwhile, has occasionally looked vulnerable against opponents attacking him directly, with space opening up for crosses from his side.
With Vinicius Junior usually playing ahead of him, the former Chelsea man does not get the defensive support he needs from his winger, leaving him isolated.
However, Carreras’ case is not built entirely on defending. He is also comfortable carrying possession forward, driving into space and helping Madrid progress down the left flank.
This makes him an attractive option for a team that has struggled to progress the ball up the pitch as consistently as they would have hoped.
Cucurella still offers qualities Mourinho values
Despite the growing case for Carreras, Cucurella should not be dismissed, and his reputation should not be forgotten.
His experience, aggressive pressing and willingness to engage opponents higher up the pitch can be useful when Madrid want to pin back the opposition.
He is also capable of moving into central areas to support possession, giving Mourinho different tactical possibilities.
However, Cucurella’s attacking contributions have not always been as influential as expected during these early weeks.
The Spaniard made a name for himself at Chelsea and with Spain by getting into attacking positions and creating chances for his teammates.
At Madrid, however, with the team looking to pass the ball quickly to runners like Vinicius and Mbappe, the best aspect of Cucurella’s game has not come to the fore.
This makes defensive solidity the primary requirement for Madrid’s left-back, and it is here that Carreras seems to have an advantage over Cucurella.
Carreras deserves an extended opportunity
At this stage, Carreras has a strong argument for becoming Madrid’s preferred left-back.
His defensive qualities appear particularly suited to the team’s immediate needs, while his ability to carry possession ensures Madrid would not sacrifice much attacking potential.
Instead of treating the left-back role as a game of musical chairs, Mourinho would be better off giving one of the two an extended run to make the position their own.
Competition for places is healthy as long as it does not breed insecurity, and at the moment, Carreras seems to be in better form than Cucurella.
It will not be easy to justify benching a summer investment, but Mourinho’s job is to make those difficult calls, and it remains to be seen how he approaches this decision.
