A few days ago, Luka Modrić, the Croatian midfield maestro, officially announced his decision to leave Real Madrid after the FIFA Club World Cup. Last Saturday, the veteran played his final match at the Santiago Bernabéu, closing a chapter that began in 2012 when he first signed for the club. At the time, many doubted the impact of his arrival. Few would have imagined that he would become one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the club’s history. Since then, the legend has consistently mesmerized fans with his magnificent skills, helping the club lift six Champions League titles and twenty-eight trophies overall. Now, the time has come for Modrić to say adios to the club, leaving the manager in search of a worthy successor to this magical central midfielder. There are certainly some promising options for the future. German midfielder Toni Kroos also stepped down from duty in June 2024, marking the end of an era. In this context, Real Madrid’s evolving midfield legacy presents an intriguing discussion.
The kings of Europe have always leaned towards direct, dynamic tactics with a transitional approach. In contrast, Barcelona adapted and continues to embrace the classical tiki-taka style, a heavily possession-oriented approach nurtured in La Masia. Real Madrid’s gameplay was known as direct football, while Barcelona’s style reflected total football, where players could rotate positions—a philosophy introduced by Johan Cruyff. Regardless of style, midfielders have always been pivotal, controlling the game and shaping the team’s identity over decades.
From the mid-1980s to early 1990s, Real Madrid’s La Quinta del Buitre or ‘the vulture’s cohort’ era dominated Spanish football with a 4-4-2 diamond formation. Their tactics focused on short passing, creating space, and building fluid attacks, often modified to a 4-3-3. The midfield featured Míchel as the right central midfielder and Martín Vázquez as the left or central attacking midfielder. Ricardo Gallego and Bernd Schuster played as deep-lying defensive and central midfielders, respectively. Míchel was known for powerful long-range shots and precise passes, while Vázquez seamlessly circulated the ball between attackers and defenders. Gallego and Schuster provided balance, supporting lead strikers Hugo Sánchez and Emilio Butragueño, who was famed for his body feints to create shooting space or assist opportunities inside the box. This era of dominance continued until 1999, with Leo Beenhakker as the most successful coach to foster such creative order.
In the early 2000s, a new generation took over: Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Luís Figo, Claude Makélélé, Guti, and Cambiasso. President Florentino Pérez’s recruitment of global superstars emphasized power and precision, blending physical strength with tactical brilliance. Direct football reached its peak during this era, with vertical long passes rapidly building momentum for relentless attacks. Transitional tactics evolved to feature long balls, anticipation, counter-attacks, and sharp penetration through defenses. The team mainly played in 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-2-1 formations. Zidane, the attacking midfielder, moved freely to collect and distribute the ball, showcasing extraordinary game awareness and delivering dangerous half volleys and headers. Beckham and Figo operated as right-wingers, with Beckham creating chances through his set pieces and pinpoint crosses, while Figo excelled at dribbling and through balls. Makélélé and Cambiasso anchored the defensive roles, while Guti provided support as an attacking midfielder. Cambiasso’s box-to-box capabilities added further depth. Luxemburgo was the finest coach of this era, shaping Madrid’s most versatile midfield.
Evolution and the Modern Midfield
After 2010, elite managers like José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti took the helm, with Zinedine Zidane later following in their footsteps. Their tactical precision was instrumental for the team. Mourinho formed a robust midfield with Xabi Alonso, Mesut Özil, and Khedira in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Özil, known for his flawless ball control, excelled in the central attacking role, while Alonso’s defensive intelligence and clear vision anchored the team. After Modrić’s arrival, Mourinho used him in place of Özil, unleashing his box-to-box creativity. Modrić’s defensive tendencies, tackling, and aerial ability made him a linchpin in the team. Brazilian star Kaká later took over attacking midfield duties, and in 2013, Gareth Bale joined. Primarily a forward, Bale’s pace and physical dominance also made him a devastating playmaker. James Rodríguez’s inclusion in 2014, strengthened attacking midfield to another extent.
Toni Kroos and Casemiro became defensive pillars. Kroos, a central midfielder who occasionally switched to defensive roles, expertly kept the ball circulating across the pitch, with consistently perfect free kicks and long shots earning him the ‘sniper’ nickname. He is now recognized as one of Real Madrid’s most decorated players. Casemiro, known as ‘the tank’, added an aggressive central presence, forming a solid defensive foundation. The formation evolved into a 4-3-3, a system that enabled a powerful midfield to support Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema as consistent goal-scorers. Cristiano’s movement across the wing and through the center synergized with the midfield, elevating the tempo of the game.
Today, Real Madrid’s midfield features young talents like Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga. Bellingham plays a central role, while Valverde and Camavinga have operated in both central and defensive positions. However, the club has recently struggled to rekindle its traditional charisma and creativity. With Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Xabi Alonso has taken on the challenge of reshaping the team’s fate.
Success: Goals and Contribution to Achievements
The Quinta del Buitre era saw Real Madrid win sixteen major trophies, including six La Ligas and five Spanish Super Cups. Míchel scored over 130 goals and provided 168 assists, while Vázquez notched up 47 goals and 44 assists, and Gallego and Schuster combined for 44 goals. The team also set a remarkable record of 107 goals in just 38 games.
While the Galácticos era brought flair, it wasn’t the most glorious period, marked by inconsistency despite seven major trophies. They secured only one Champions League title in 2002, along with the Intercontinental Cup that same year. Guti contributed 77 goals and around 100 assists, while Zidane tallied 49 goals and 67 assists.
The most successful and influential period came from 2010-2020. Modrić and Kroos helped Real Madrid to six Champions League titles, with Casemiro winning five. Four of those came during that golden decade. The most recent Champions League title for Modrić and Kroos was in the 2023-24 season. Modrić ended his run with 43 goals and 91 assists, Kroos with 25 goals and 89 assists, and Casemiro with 31 goals.
“Historia que tú hiciste Historia por hacer Porque nadie resiste Tus ganas de vencer”
The new generation has so far secured only one Champions League title. Valverde is emerging as the most tactical midfielder in the squad, while Bellingham’s smart techniques and control promise a bright future. This emerging team is undergoing reconstruction, though not everything has gone according to plan. From 2019, Eden Hazard played as a forward and midfielder in the squad but had to stop in 2023 due to recurring injuries that led to contract termination.
While Hazard could have been a valuable asset, the club has already explored different options. With Carlo Ancelotti departing at the end of the season and Xabi Alonso taking over as the new manager, they’re working alongside forward Kylian Mbappé to build a better-coordinated and more dynamic squad.
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