Real Madrid’s Midfield Dilemma: Assessing Current Options and Future Needs

As Real Madrid approaches the end of 2025, the club faces a notable shortcoming. Last summer, the team refrained from entering the transfer market to seek a playmaker following the departures of Luka Modric and a year earlier, Toni Kroos. The strategy was to rely on the existing midfield talent to fill this pivotal role. Coach Xabi Alonso attempted to foster this development, particularly with talents like Güler. However, it has become increasingly clear that no player has effectively replaced these two significant absences over the past two seasons.

Under Xabi’s management, there are players capable of assuming the playmaker role. Güler has shifted his position deeper in the midfield, but this adjustment has diminished his impact, particularly in delivering final passes and maintaining synergy with star forward Kylian Mbappé. Since the Club World Cup, the coach’s commitment to Güler’s new role has been evident, but his influence has waned, especially towards the end of December, as observed during his benching against Manchester City. He concludes the year as the only player to have participated in all 25 matches for Real Madrid, yet ranks seventh in total minutes played.

Eduardo Camavinga is another candidate who could potentially generate creativity in midfield. However, his role under Xabi has varied; he has spent considerable time positioned closer to the right flank, where he had one of his standout performances during El Clásico, or playing as a pivot when Aurélien Tchouaméni was unavailable. Nonetheless, Camavinga has struggled to solidify his position this season due to a painful ankle injury early on. He remains a potential key player for the upcoming 2026 season.

Dani Ceballos has had minimal appearances under Xabi, despite possessing a profile suitable for a playmaker. His most significant contribution came as a starter against Manchester City. However, Ceballos has not been afforded many opportunities to demonstrate his ability to lead the team. While he has started four additional league matches, he finds himself in a five-match streak without any minutes on the pitch as the year closes against Sevilla.

Xabi also has more offensive-minded players like Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham to explore in playmaking roles. Neither has showcased their best form under the current coaching staff. Valverde has filled in at right back due to injuries affecting Dani Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold. Although he has regained some positions in the midfield, he has yet to take full control of the gameplay. Ancelotti had previously tried Valverde in a more central role and in ball distribution last season when Kroos was absent.

Xabi once remarked about Valverde’s physical performance, stating, “I have not seen many players with his physical capability. He reminds me of someone like Gerrard.” The most suitable position for Valverde to exercise playmaking capabilities appears to be closer to Tchouaméni, who seems to have secured the pivot position. However, this role limits Valverde’s attacking contributions, despite his capacity to score over ten goals a season.

As for Bellingham, another key player, he has not yet taken on a central leadership role, even having played behind the forwards on multiple occasions. The reality is that in 2026, it is imperative for him to clarify where he fits best within Xabi’s tactical framework. Playing with three forwards has seen him drift to the left, while he has assumed the role of attacking midfielder in a two-striker setup, yet he has not fully seized the opportunity to control the match tempo. Nevertheless, Xabi sees potential in him for this function, commenting upon his arrival, “I see him clearly as a midfielder, and with all the potential he possesses, we will strive to make him as efficient as possible; this is one of the steps we need to take.”

Recent surveys conducted by MARCA have shown that the fanbase desires new signings, with a particular emphasis on acquiring a midfielder. Initially, there was interest in Zubimendi, who seemed to fit the profile that Madrid lacks, but he is already committed to Arsenal. The club will finalize its assessments regarding the team’s needs in the second half of the season, although many believe that the first half has already provided enough insights to make informed decisions.