Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Talavera in a thrilling match at El Prado Stadium, with the game ending in dramatic fashion. With their next league fixture against Sevilla looming, Xabi Alonso’s coaching staff continues to analyze the performances of their players, particularly those who have yet to live up to expectations.
Uncertainty Surrounds the Future of the Midfielder
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One player stood out during the match, despite starting and being given another chance to prove himself. President Florentino Pérez may be taking a firm stance on his future with the club.
This player is Dani Ceballos, who has repeatedly failed to meet expectations in Real Madrid’s midfield. He recently recovered from health issues that hampered his training, but he made several errors on the ball and squandered clear-cut chances, even against a weaker opponent like Talavera.
At the start of the match, Real Madrid struggled to control the midfield, a position where Ceballos lacked the necessary influence, alongside limited contributions from Arda Güler. However, Ceballos regained some composure in the second half, but he wasn’t decisive enough to lead the team. In the final minutes, Alonso substituted him with the talented Jorge Cestero from the La Fábrica academy, a move some considered a warning sign regarding his situation within the team.
Ceballos’s Situation at Real Madrid is Complicated
The player’s performance this season (only 646 minutes) is far from his outstanding form last season, further complicating his position in the team, especially after he rejected a move to Olympique Marseille last summer. Meanwhile, the club is exploring new options to strengthen the midfield, such as signing Nico Paz for next season.
Ceballos’s market value has also declined significantly, reaching just €8 million, compared to the €16.5 million Real Madrid paid Real Betis to acquire him in the summer of 2017. This puts him under considerable pressure to regain his place and prove his worth before the 2026–2027 season.
