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Real Madrid legend Luka Modric, who is set to leave the club after the FIFA Club World Cup, has spoken glowingly of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinh.
In a recent interview with NOVA TV, Modric, who has been instrumental in Madrid’s midfield dominance for over a decade, did not hold back in his praise for the PSG star.
“Vitinha is one of the best, if not the best, midfielders. The other day, when he came on at halftime, he once again made a big difference,” said the Croatian veteran.
“He had a phenomenal season. He helps the team play better, he is a game organiser and he is indispensable to the team.
“He showed that in the Champions League and with the national team. In my opinion, he was perhaps the best midfielder last season. He is excellent on the ball, I really like him,” added the Real Madrid midfielder
Modric’s admiration for the 25-year-old arrives at a time when Real Madrid are actively searching for a long-term successor to orchestrate their midfield.
With the legendary Croatian set to depart, the club’s need for a top-tier playmaker has become urgent.
Zubimendi and others on Madrid’s radar
Modric has praised Vitinha. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
It must be noted that Real Madrid have already shown interest in Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. While the Spaniard fits the tactical profile, his €60 million release clause has proved to be a sticking point.
The club had also monitored Angelo Stiller, but that move has now been ruled out due to tactical mismatches and financial considerations.
This has led Madrid to widen their search, and Vitinha’s name has resurfaced in internal discussions.
Although no official bid has been made, earlier reports had already linked the former Porto man with a potential move to the Bernabeu as a natural heir to Modric’s role.
Following a brilliant campaign that included a key role in PSG’s first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph, Vitinha’s stock has never been higher. As such, PSG are understandably reluctant to entertain offers.
Still, Madrid have a reputation for getting their man. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Jude Bellingham, history has shown that the Spanish giants are capable of making even the most ambitious signings a reality.
Xabi Alonso’s tactical blueprint for Real Madrid as he takes charge of first training session
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
As the FIFA Club World Cup nears, the anticipation for every Real Madrid fan grows astronomically. After all, there is a real sense of excitement over what Xabi Alonso will bring to the table in his first season in charge of Los Blancos.
The Spanish tactician saw great success at Bayer Leverkusen with his dynamic style of play that adapted to the opponents irrespective of what was at stake and many expect him to maintain the same ambitious style of football at Real Madrid.
MARCA, however, go a step further and bring out the details of Alonso’s blueprint at Madrid and what the coach intends to change at the club.
Clear doctrines in place
As per the report, the new manager, who is overseeing his first training session at Real Madrid today, has some clear doctrines about the brand of football he wants his team to play that cannot be compromised and a clear idea of the structure he wishes to advocate.
For starters, Alonso is expected to stick to a 4-3-3 setup, the same formation that Carlo Ancelotti largely stood by during his time at the club. A key difference, however, will be the intent the team are seen projecting.
Xabi Alonso has arrived at Real Madrid. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Unlike the version they adopted under Ancelotti where they waited for opposition errors, Alonso hopes to have his team impose themselves on opponents under him with more possession to their name and better build-up sequences from the back.
He also plans to improve players’ pressing off the ball and involvement in the defensive aspect. He will urge his men to provocatively push in midfield and in the final third to force errors from the opponents and actively win the ball back. Controlling central spaces will be the key.
He is also expected to strongly advocate for central progression and creating 1v1 situations for wingers to capitalise on the pace and dynamism his team has on the wings.
The new coach is not expected to make drastic changes in personnel beyond the transfers already completed and has it on his mind to extract the best version of players who have been on a recent slump.