Since the departure of Toni Kroos from Real Madrid, fans and pundits alike have been wondering who could fill the void left by the German. To everyone’s surprise, it was Dani Ceballos, a player who often plays in the shadows, who took up the reins in Madrid’s midfield.

Used to being a support player, Dani Ceballos (28) has rarely been in the limelight since arriving at Real Madrid. However, the 2024/25 season marks a turning point in his career. He is no longer content to be a simple joker. He has become a key member of the team, an indispensable regulator who has established himself where few expected him to be.

At the start of the season, Carlo Ancelotti was reluctant to give Ceballos a central role. With talents like Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga available, the Italian was looking to balance his team without Toni Kroos, who had retired. But Ceballos, who made the most of the opportunities he was given, proved that he can take on major responsibilities. Every match was an opportunity for him to demonstrate his worth, and he did not disappoint.

The figures clearly show the growing importance of the Spanish international. He averages 88.5 passes per 90 minutes, putting him at the top of the team ahead of even veterans like Luka Modric. His accuracy is impressive: with a 93.9% success rate, he is the most reliable player in terms of passes.

In the final third of the pitch, Ceballos also excels, with an average of 9.47 assists per game, just behind Modric (9.76). But quality takes precedence over quantity. His ability to find team-mates in crucial attacking positions, notably Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, demonstrates his growing influence on Madrid’s game.

Dani Ceballos, a promising future under Ancelotti

Ceballos not only shines with his precise and decisive passes. He has also shown great defensive solidity and leads the team in terms of successful tackles and duels won. This versatility makes him a complete player, capable of reinforcing the midfield in both attack and defence. His defensive commitment has surprised many observers, as he has developed new skills.

Renowned for his ability to get the best out of his players, Carlo Ancelotti now seems to have great faith in Ceballos. Although he is not yet an indisputable starter, he has become a priority option for the big games. The former Gunner’s performances in crucial games have often helped the team to stabilise and regain its balance, which has often been undermined by the departures of Toni Kroos and Modric’s slumps.

Real Madrid have not only found a replacement for Toni Kroos. In Dani Ceballos, the team has discovered a player capable of redefining this crucial role. His progress and hard work show that the club is never short of resources. For the future, the Spanish international is in a position to become a pillar of Real Madrid. The 2024/25 season could well be the one in which Dani Ceballos definitively establishes himself as a central figure at Real Madrid.