Real Madrid’s start to the 2024/25 La Liga season has been anything but smooth, with just one win in their first three matches. This less-than-ideal beginning has left fans concerned and yearning for the calming influence of retired midfield maestro Toni Kroos. The German international, who hung up his boots after Euro 2024, was known for his ability to dictate the tempo and bring balance to Real Madrid’s midfield—a quality that appears to be sorely missed this season.
A Rocky Start for Real Madrid
After an offseason filled with optimism, Real Madrid’s fans had high hopes for the new La Liga campaign. However, the reality has been far from expectations. Los Blancos opened their season with a frustrating draw against Mallorca, followed by a narrow victory over Valladolid. The hope for momentum was short-lived as they were held to another draw, this time by Las Palmas, a team that barely escaped relegation last season.
Despite having a star-studded attack featuring Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes, Real Madrid has struggled to find cohesion, particularly in midfield. The absence of Toni Kroos, who retired at the end of last season, has left a noticeable void. His ability to control the game’s rhythm, maintain possession, and deliver precise passes has been sorely missed.
Fans Express Their Frustration
The frustration among Real Madrid supporters is palpable, with many taking to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to voice their concerns. One fan commented, “The team is making 4 or 5 passes for what usually used to be one pass from Kroos.” This sentiment reflects the inefficiency in Real Madrid’s current midfield setup, where the lack of a central figure to orchestrate play has become glaringly evident.
Another fan echoed this sentiment, stating, “Toni Kroos is the man that Real Madrid will miss for a very long time. They look so mid without him.” The use of the term “mid” highlights the perceived mediocrity in Real Madrid’s performances without their former midfield general.
The Impact of Kroos’s Departure
Toni Kroos’s retirement marked the end of an era at Real Madrid. During his time with the club, Kroos was instrumental in helping Los Blancos secure numerous titles, including four UEFA Champions League trophies. His ability to read the game, combined with his passing accuracy and composure under pressure, made him an irreplaceable asset in the midfield.
Since his departure, Real Madrid has struggled to fill the void left by Kroos. The midfield trio of Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Federico Valverde, while talented, has yet to gel into a cohesive unit. The lack of a player who can dictate the pace of the game and connect the defense with the attack has been a significant factor in the team’s early struggles.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Challenge
Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is well aware of the challenges his team faces. After the draw against Las Palmas, Ancelotti acknowledged the issues in the midfield and the team’s difficulty in maintaining balance. He emphasized the need for quicker ball movement and better organization, but he also admitted that the team is still adjusting to life without Kroos.
Ancelotti’s task is to find a way to restore balance and fluidity to Real Madrid’s midfield. While the team’s attacking prowess is undeniable, the lack of support from the midfield has often left the forwards isolated and forced to create chances on their own. This imbalance has been a recurring theme in the early matches, and it’s something Ancelotti must address quickly if Real Madrid hopes to defend their La Liga title.
The Importance of Midfield Balance
One of the key reasons for Real Madrid’s struggles has been the lack of balance in midfield. In the past, Kroos’s presence allowed the team to control games and dictate the flow of play. Without him, the midfield has often appeared disjointed, with players struggling to find their roles and connect with the forwards.
This lack of balance has been particularly evident in matches against teams that sit deep and defend in numbers. Without Kroos to unlock defenses with his precise passing, Real Madrid has found it difficult to break down opponents, resulting in a series of frustrating draws.
A fan on X captured this frustration perfectly, writing, “The team is lost without Kroos. We used to dominate possession, now we just pass sideways with no purpose.” This comment reflects the growing concern among fans that Real Madrid’s once-dominant midfield is no longer able to control games in the way it used to.
Looking Ahead: Can Real Madrid Turn It Around?
Despite the early season struggles, there is still hope that Real Madrid can turn things around. The season is long, and the team has the talent to overcome these challenges. However, to do so, they will need to find a way to restore balance to their midfield and compensate for the loss of Kroos.
One potential solution could be the integration of a more experienced midfielder who can bring the same level of composure and control that Kroos once provided. Alternatively, Ancelotti may need to adjust his tactics to better suit the strengths of the current squad, perhaps by adopting a more direct style of play that relies less on midfield dominance.
Whatever the solution, it’s clear that Real Madrid cannot afford to continue dropping points if they hope to defend their La Liga title. The pressure is on Ancelotti and his players to find answers quickly and get back to winning ways.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos may have retired, but his influence on Real Madrid is still felt deeply. As the team struggles to find its footing in the new season, fans continue to call for a player who can bring the same level of calm and control to the midfield. Whether through tactical adjustments or new signings, Real Madrid must find a way to fill the void left by Kroos if they are to return to their winning ways.
As one fan put it on X, “How does one guy leaving have left us this lost? Didn’t feel this even when Ronaldo left.” This sentiment underscores the importance of Kroos to Real Madrid’s success and the challenge the club now faces in moving forward without him.
