Real Madrid’s midfield maestro, Toni Kroos, stunned the football world by announcing his retirement after the Euro 2024 tournament, leaving a gaping hole in the heart of Los Blancos’ midfield. Despite a trophy-laden final season, culminating in a Champions League triumph against Borussia Dortmund, Kroos’s departure has left a void that Real Madrid has struggled to fill. While manager Carlo Ancelotti possesses a wealth of midfield talent, none replicate Kroos’s unique skillset, his ability to dictate tempo and control the flow of the game. This tactical deficiency has been evident in the first half of the 2024/2025 season, prompting criticism from club legends like Jorge Valdano, who highlighted the underestimated impact of Kroos’s absence.
Valdano, a respected voice within the Real Madrid community, lamented the loss of Kroos’s calming influence and his ability to seamlessly transition between patient build-up and rapid attacks. He pointed out that even with a squad boasting some of the world’s best players, Real Madrid has failed to compensate for the multifaceted brilliance of the German midfielder. Kroos’s departure was not simply the loss of a player, but the removal of a crucial cog in the Real Madrid machine, a player who orchestrated their play with intelligence, precision, and an innate understanding of the game’s rhythm. This tactical void, according to Valdano, exposed a vulnerability in Real Madrid’s otherwise star-studded lineup.
Real Madrid, recognizing the need to address this tactical imbalance, have reportedly identified their target to fill the Kroos-shaped void. According to sources cited by AS, the club has set its sights on Spanish international Martin Zubimendi, currently plying his trade at Real Sociedad. Zubimendi, a deep-lying playmaker with a similar tactical profile to Kroos, is seen as a natural successor to the German legend. His ability to dictate play from deep, break up opposition attacks, and initiate offensive moves with pinpoint passing makes him a perfect fit for Real Madrid’s system. Furthermore, Zubimendi’s composure and tactical awareness align perfectly with the style of play that Kroos embodied.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Zubimendi is not just about finding a replacement for Kroos; it’s about securing a player who can maintain the club’s midfield dominance for years to come. The 25-year-old’s contract with Real Sociedad includes a €60 million release clause, a price tag that Real Madrid are reportedly willing to meet. This decisive move not only underscores the club’s commitment to reclaiming their midfield authority but also represents a strategic investment in a player who embodies the same tactical intelligence and game-controlling qualities that defined Kroos’s illustrious career at the Bernabéu.
Securing Zubimendi’s signature would also represent a significant victory over their fierce rivals, FC Barcelona. The Catalan giants had previously identified Zubimendi as the ideal heir to Sergio Busquets, but were unable to finance the move. This financial constraint allowed Real Madrid to swoop in and potentially secure a player who could have significantly bolstered Barcelona’s midfield. The potential acquisition of Zubimendi thus serves a dual purpose: strengthening Real Madrid while simultaneously weakening a direct competitor.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi signifies a proactive approach to addressing the tactical void left by Toni Kroos’s retirement. While Kroos’s boots are impossible to fill completely, Zubimendi offers a similar skillset and tactical acumen, providing hope that Real Madrid can restore the midfield dominance that characterized their play under the German maestro. The reported willingness to activate his release clause demonstrates a clear intent to secure a long-term solution and re-establish their midfield control. This strategic move not only reinforces Real Madrid’s commitment to maintaining their position at the pinnacle of European football but also delivers a blow to Barcelona’s ambitions.
