Angelo Stiller has been linked with a possible move to Real Madrid for weeks. In fact, the Stuttgart midfielder is reportedly one of several players on the club’s radar as they look to reinforce their midfield for the future.
While rumours continue to grow, his potential arrival at the Bernabeu has caught many people by surprise, including some of his fellow professionals.
Interestingly, Aleix Garcia, a 27-year-old midfielder currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen has shared his take on this transfer news.
In a recent interview with AS (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the former Girona man expressed doubt about whether Stiller is the right profile for a club like Real Madrid.
While not being overly critical, Garcia made it clear he thinks better options are available for the role the Spanish giants are looking to fill.
“I’ve heard his name mentioned in connection with Madrid,” Garcia said. “But if I’m honest, I believe there are better players out there for that position.”
But there is praise too
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Angelo Stiller. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)
Garcia, who has built a reputation for being technically gifted and tactically smart, did not dismiss Stiller’s qualities completely.
In fact, he acknowledged the German’s strengths, particularly in keeping possession and playing simple, accurate passes in a system that suits his style.
“He’s a good player,” Garcia added. “I haven’t analysed him in great detail, but Stuttgart play in a way that gives their midfielders lots of touches on the ball. He’s quite accurate with his short passing.”
However, Garcia also pointed to the type of midfielder Real Madrid really needs, someone who can take over from Toni Kroos, who has been missed this season. “They definitely need a player like Kroos,” he said. “His absence has been very noticeable.”
Whether Real Madrid choose to pursue Stiller or explore other options remains to be seen, but it is clear that not everyone in football is convinced he is the ideal fit for the club’s demanding midfield role.