Rabat – With his young midfielders up to expectations, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has had to bench the Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, a club legend and by far one of the best attacking midfielders in the past few years.
Modric was a substitute for Real Madrid’s first two La Liga games against Athletic Bilbao and Almeria, both of which the club won on the back of a stellar performance from its young midfielders, especially the new signee Jude Bellingham.
While the 37-year-old Croatian superstar has reportedly made his peace with not being part of Real Madrid’s starting lineup for this season, there have been unrelenting rumors about his supposed dissatisfaction and desire to leave the Spanish club.
According to the Spanish website Defensa Central, Modric recently informed head coach Carlo Ancelotti that he understands and accepts his new role within the team and is “tired of all the media noise in recent days.”
As it became clear he would have to compete for a starting spot with younger and world-class midfielders like Aurelian Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, and Jude Bellingham, the website reported, Ancelloti told Modric he would be playing less this season.
Contrary to media speculation about Modric’s supposed discontent and possible departure from the Madrid club, the highly respected Croatian is not angry as “he has shown his commitment to being one of the captains, in addition to being aware that Ancelotti needs him fresh for the most difficult moments,” Defensa Central wrote.
With the 14-time Champions League winner competing for more trophies this season, the club is heavily counting on its fresher midfielders. While veterans like Modric are still needed for the additional class, motivation, and experience they bring to the table, most fans and observers have argued that Real Madrid’s young players are the club’s present and future.
