Real Madrid News
Real Madrid plan to carefully manage workload of midfield mainstay next season
When Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominated the Ballon d’Or awards, the world knew it would take something special to break the duopoly. It was finally Luka Modric who did the unthinkable in 2018 after a stunning season for club and country.
Now nearing 37, the Croatian international is still as vital to Real Madrid’s plans as he once was. Despite his age, the club offered him a one-year contract extension last month to keep him in the team for the coming season.
According to reports from Diario AS, Real Madrid will take special care of Modric this season. The management recognises that he played 103 games in the last two seasons and believes that his workload must be better managed to get the best out of him.
While the veteran will continue to start in important games, his prominence as a regular starter will be greatly reduced. This will not only provide rest to the player but also help the manager oversee a smooth transition to the next generation of midfielders.
Eduardo Camavinga is knocking on the doors for a starting spot and could benefit from Modric’s situation this year. The Frenchman, alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, is seen as the future of Real Madrid’s midfield.
This could well be Modric’s last season at the club. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez already has his eyes set on Jude Bellingham as a natural replacement and it remains to be seen if that operation is successful.
Last season, Modric started 25 league games for Los Blancos. In that duration, he recorded two goals and provided eight assists.
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
