Real Madrid fans still remember Declan Rice’s performance in last season’s Champions League quarter-final, when he led Arsenal to eliminate the Spanish giants with a resounding 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, before securing a 2-1 win in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
But the surprise came from the English player himself, who recently spoke about the toughest opponent he has faced in his career, confirming that Real Madrid’s midfield legend, Toni Kroos, was his biggest challenge.
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Exceptional Praise for Kroos
Rice explained that Kroos’s tactical intelligence and deep understanding of the game always put him one step ahead of everyone else. He pointed out that pressing him was almost impossible, given his ability to escape marking and pass with pinpoint accuracy under any circumstances.
The German star announced his retirement in the summer of 2024, after a glittering career that included winning both La Liga and the Champions League titles in his final season, leaving behind a clear void in midfield.
Midfield Void and Management Action
Since Toni Kroos’ departure, Real Madrid has struggled to find a direct replacement with the same quality, composure, and playmaking ability. This situation has prompted the club’s management, led by Florentino Pérez, to consider a significant financial investment during the summer transfer window to bolster the midfield with a player possessing similar attributes.
The team needs a player who can control the tempo of the game, has high passing accuracy, and can provide balance and stability in crucial matches.
The List of Candidates Grows
Vitie’s name stands out as a top priority, despite the difficulty of negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain. Other options include Kees Smith and Adam Wharton, as well as Rodri Hernández, despite his incomplete recovery from a serious knee injury.
Dominik Szoboszlai remains a name that has recently gained traction, along with the young Kenneth Eichhorn of Hertha Berlin, whom the club’s management is closely monitoring as part of their strategy to invest in emerging talent.
Real Madrid faces a crucial summer in the transfer market, and finding a true successor to Kroos could be the key to regaining complete control of the midfield next season.
