27-year-old Real Madrid man set to play key role under Ancelotti next season - Reports
Out of favor Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos will reportedly play a key role for Carlo Ancelotti's side next season. As reported by Alejandro Alcazar of Spanish outlet Sport via Madrid Universal, the Spaniard is set to reap the benefit of Toni Kroos leaving the club.
Ceballos was only a bit-part player for Real Madrid last season as they clinched the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy. The 27-year-old played a total of 864 minutes spread across 27 games but he only made eight starts.
The midfielder looked destined to leave the Santiago Bernabeu last summer and there was no shortage of interest for his signature. However, he was handed a new deal until 2027 by Real Madrid despite their riches of options in midfield.
With Toni Kroos retiring and Luka Modric becoming a squad player, Ceballos is reportedly set to finally get his chance to prove his worth at the Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be an admirer of the versatile Spaniard and valued the player's understanding of the club and his teammates.
The Spain international has been at Real Madrid since 2017 following his €18 million switch from Real Betis. In between, he spent two seasons on loan at Arsenal and did a reasonable job at the Emirates.
Ceballos has featured 147 times for Real Madrid to date, having contributed with seven goals and 14 assists. He has won 13 trophies during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Yan Couto tips Real Madrid superstar to win the Ballon d'Or
Manchester City full-back Yan Couto has backed Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or award in 2024. The Brazil international has highlighted how much his compatriot has improved his game since his big switch to the Santiago Bernabeu from Flamengo in 2018.
Couto, who spent the last season on loan at Girona, has backed Vinicius to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
“I watch Viní in training with the national team and it is good that we are improving. Watching a world-class winger, who if not the best, is the second or third best. He deserves the Ballon d'Or. He is improving in all aspects and he scores a lot of goals and provides assists. He has developed a lot since his arrival to Real Madrid,” he said via Madrid Zone.
Vinicius Junior played a pivotal role for Real Madrid last season as they won the La Liga and the Champions League. He scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 games across competitions for Carlo Ancelotti's side.