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| handle with care |
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT WITH MODRIC OUT OF ACTION
Toni Kroos is now a one-man band shoring up the Real Madrid midfield. Or at least, that is how the 'Los Blancos' coaching team see it in the light of Luka Modric's injury. The German and Croat are the squad's two most utilised players, stalwarts for the Italian coach, who rebuilt the team around them after the departure of Xabi and Di María.
Kroos and Modric have been the driving force for 'Los Blancos' in the centre of the field, which explains the current feeling of concern in the Real Madrid dugout. With Modric ruled out for the next three months, making sure Kroos is fighting fit is now a top priority. There is no obvious substitute for the German in the team and any injury, coupled with that of the Croatian player, would see the midfield that Ancelotti has painstakingly put together crumble.
The aim, therefore, is to wrap Kroos in cotton wool. The German, more essential than ever, will be managed as much as possible. He will definitely not play the Copa del Rey match against Cornellà nor the game against Ludogorets at the Bernabéu, and could also have some time on the bench in the Basel match next week.
Ancelotti will continue to take full advantage of Kroos' talents, but will try not to tap his reserves more than is absolutely necessary, at least, while Modric is out of action. He will be part of the starting line up against Eibar.
