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Yesterday’s game between Real Madrid and Valladolid highlighted a concerning situation for Luka Modric, a player who has been a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s midfield for many years.
Despite his experience and importance to the team in the past, it seems Modric has slipped down in Carlo Ancelotti’s list of preferred players and the match offered a clear indication that he is no longer seen as a first-choice option for the manager.
Recent reports have suggested that Modric is now considered to be behind younger talents like Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz in the pecking order.
This has been a surprising development for many, especially given his history with the club. The Croatian midfielder has played a crucial role in some of Real Madrid’s biggest successes over the last decade, but the times seem to be changing under Ancelotti’s guidance.
“For Ancelotti, Modric comes behind Guler and Brahim,” said Fernando Burgos on Onda Cero.
The manager himself gave a hint about this shift in his post-match comments. Ancelotti openly spoke about his selection choices, making it clear that his decision was between Guler and Brahim Diaz, with no mention of Modric.
“Arda Guler started as a midfielder. The choice I had today was between him and Brahim, and I thought it would be good for him, and he would benefit from the minutes. In the end, he had a good game,” Ancelotti explained.
This statement suggests that Modric was not even in consideration for a spot in the midfield, which would have been unthinkable just a few seasons ago.
Brahim and Guler have worked as expected
The manager’s decision to start Guler and then substitute him with Brahim in the second half turned out to be a strategic masterstroke as the latter made an immediate impact after coming onto the pitch, scoring a crucial goal that put Real Madrid 2-0 ahead.
The goal lifted the team’s spirits and helped secure the win. As if that wasn’t enough, Endrick added another goal in stoppage time, sealing a 3-0 victory for Real Madrid.
Ancelotti’s approach seems to focus on giving younger players a chance to prove themselves, even if it means sidelining veterans like Modric. The decision to prioritize Guler and Brahim over Modric could be a sign of the future direction of the team.
This transition reflects a broader strategy to rejuvenate the squad with fresh talent, possibly to prepare for long-term success.
For Modric, this shift might mean adapting to a new role, perhaps one that is less central to the team’s plans than he is used to.
It is clear that Ancelotti values the potential and energy that players like Guler and Brahim bring to the team.
Their inclusion ahead of Modric indicates a desire to build a more dynamic and youthful midfield. This could be seen as a positive move for the club’s future, though it is understandably disappointing for Modric and his supporters.
