The legendary trio of Casemiro, Kroos, Modric already has a replacement. Real Madrid is starting to pull young blood

There is no doubt that the trio of Casemiro – Kroos – Modric is one of the best midfield trios to ever play football. But at the same time, there is no doubt that age cannot be stopped and all three legends of the club are slowly getting older. But Real Madrid don’t have to worry about the future at all.

There are long debates about which centre-back is historically the best. Is it the trio of Busquets – Xavi – Iniesta, or is it the aforementioned trio of CKM leading the way? Nostalgia probably speaks in favour of the Barcelona trio, who absolutely dominated the world for two years. But the overall achievements clearly point to the Spanish capital.

Casemiro, Kroos and Modric have together dominated the Champions League three times in a row, currently helping Real Madrid to their fourth joint final. Although their roles are already slowly changing.

While they were untouchable and virtually unstoppable in the historic run from 2016-2018, that is no longer the case at the moment. Not only have they all popped the candles on the birthday cake (Modric 36, Kroos 32, Casemiro 30), at the same time modern football is shifting and sometimes the game requires younger, more aggressive and quicker midfielders.

That’s why all three of them came on in succession in the semi-final against Manchester City. The first to leave the pitch was Toni Kroos, who made way for Rodryga, a late hero. Federico Valverde moved into the centre of midfield from the right wing, who, due to his inexhaustible physical fund, could not be substituted if by chance extra time came.

In the 75th minute, Ancelotti subbed the rest of the CKM trio. Casemiro made way for Camavinga, Modric for Asensio. At that point, Real Madrid switched to a 4-2-4 formation, with only Camavinga and Valverde operating in the centre of midfield. The attacking four consisted of Vinícius – Benzema – Rodrygo – Asensio.

It was the first time since 2015 that none of the trio Casemiro – Kroos – Modric were on the pitch in the Champions League knockout stage. It presented a unique picture, with club legends living the rest of the game on the bench and hungry youngsters trying to make a magical turnaround.

And it worked. And that was thanks to Camavinga, who put in a breathtaking performance. He dominated the midfield with his energy and speed and laid the foundations for the turnaround. In the 90th minute, a beautiful ball found Benzema in the whitewash, who set up Rodrigue’s goal. In extra time, he incredibly took the ball out of his own half to the Citizens’ penalty area, where he presented the ball to Rodryga, whose pass was whistled for a penalty.

Valverde, on the other hand, helped the team with his work without the ball, winning countless balls and helping to disrupt Citizens’ breaks with honest returns. And at the same time, he helped to create Real’s attacks with his calmness on the ball. Fans admire his incredible physicality and speed because he is untiring and has been virtually everywhere. There was even a joke on Twitter that depicted Valverde’s ‘heatmap’, a map of where he has been everywhere.

The situation of the two is somewhat different. While Valverde has already earned a spot in the starting lineup, Camavinga is still hopping more from the bench. The rangy Uruguayan is starting at the unusual position of right wing, but Ancelotti simply needs him in the lineup, which is why he is playing out of position.

Camavinga waits patiently, because unseating CKM’s royal trio is difficult. However, every time he has started in the Champions League, he has incredibly changed the course of the game.

And the best thing for Real Madrid is that both have bright and long futures ahead of them. Camavingo is only 19, Valverde is 23. So when the legendary midfielders part ways in a few years, Real won’t have to look for an expensive replacement, because they have already quietly prepared one in advance.

Source: UEFA, Real Madrid