“There’s a lot of things that they need to manage” - Emmanuel Petit highlights reason behind Real Madrid’s struggles and the main problem this season
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Real Madrid's main problem is their midfield this season. The Frenchman has claimed that Kylian Mbappe is the least of the side's worries as their struggles are due to their lack of quality in the middle of the pitch.
Speaking to Football Espana and BetBrain, Petit claimed that Real Madrid were missing Toni Kroos. The Frenchman also believes that the side is suffering because Luka Modric is not at his best anymore. He said:
"There's a lot of things that they need to manage, such as confidence and ego. The main problem for Real Madrid is not Mbappe – it is in midfield. Toni Kroos isn't there, and Luka Modric isn't the same player as he once was. For me, Kroos was the main man, and he is missed so much to the point that it doesn't feel like the same team."
"They have huge quality as individuals, but it doesn't feel like a team anymore. The last few years, they won trophies because they were playing as a team – at the moment, they are struggling to have that same feeling."
Kroos retired from football at the end of last season while Modric continues to play at Real Madrid, making 12 appearances across competitions so far this season.
Emmanuel Petit not impressed with Real Madrid duo
Emmanuel Petit went on to claim that while Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni are good players, he does not think that the duo is capable of playing the same roles as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Moreover, the Frenchman believes that the former AS Monaco star is better as a defender, saying:
"He has quality, but you can't ask Camavinga to do what Kroos or Modric were doing – it's impossible. What they did was priceless, and there aren't many players that can do the same things. Since he went to Madrid, he has improved as a player – he's played in different positions too."
"But has he done enough as a midfielder to show that he should be a nailed starter? I'm not sure yet, I'm still waiting for him to show that. It's the same for Tchouameni too, I'm not convinced by him either. For me, he's better as a central defender."
Reinforcements may be on the way as Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Sandro Tonali. Los Blancos are reportedly keeping tabs on the Newcastle United star as they look to bolster the squad.
Milan Live have reported that Newcastle United are open to selling the Italian star next year. The Magpies want at least €50 million for the midfielder they signed for €66 million in 2023.