Real Madrid News
Ancelotti trusts 26-year-old Real Madrid midfielder to fill the void left by Toni Kroos
Real Madrid and Toni Kroos parted ways at the end of the last season, marking the end of a remarkably successful era together.
While filling the void left by the German is not expected to be easy for Real Madrid, they had long before laid the seeds of a successful midfield succession plan that is now poised to bear fruit.
Over the years, Real Madrid have developed several young midfielders, and the time is now ripe for this talented group to take up the mantle of responsibility.
Valverde to walk in Kroos’ footsteps
Indeed, according to MARCA, coach Carlo Ancelotti views Federico Valverde as the torchbearer in Real Madrid’s midfield next season.
The report argues that with Kroos’s departure, Valverde, who has taken over the No. 8 shirt, is expected to become even more important, leading the team forward in this new era.
In fact, Valverde will be one of Los Blancos’ four captains this season, alongside Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric, and Lucas Vazquez.
Aside from an upsurge in status, Valverde has also grown tremendously as a midfielder in recent times.
Last season, the Uruguyan’s creativity was far more noticeable and his ability to cover large distances often unjustly overshadows his poise on the ball.
Valverde even stepped into the creative midfield role during Kroos’s absences. He enjoys this position as it allows him to be more involved in the game and showcase his powerful carries from deep.
Last season, Valverde played 54 games for Real Madrid, missing only one league match when the La Liga title was already done and dusted.
His extensive playing time reflects Ancelotti’s strong confidence in him, and his efforts have now cemented his status as a legitimate replacement for the legendary Toni Kroos.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
