The president of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, has many matters on his desk. Recently reappointed as the head of the club until 2029, the big boss will need to focus on Dani Ceballos, the new Toni Kroos of Carlo Ancelotti’s team, who is having an impeccable season.
Since Toni Kroos’ departure, Real Madrid has struggled in midfield. A true catalyst for the Madrid team for years, the former German international left a significant void within the team. After weeks of indecision and confusion, Carlo Ancelotti finally gave Dani Ceballos playing time, and he hasn’t missed his chance. With a playing style similar to Kroos’, the 28-year-old midfielder has been delivering exceptional performances since receiving more playing time.
Unexpected performances from Ceballos
Much more mature, more experienced, and spared from injuries, the former Arsenal player is now the true stabiliser of Madrid’s midfield. In four consecutive starts, Dani Ceballos has earned excellent ratings. In Real Madrid’s most recent Liga match, he was one of the key figures in the 3-0 victory, notably thanks to Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick. Indeed, in the match against Valladolid, the new Toni Kroos was the player who created the most chances, delivered the most passes (also in the final third of the pitch), attempted the most crosses, and was second in ball recoveries.
With three chances created, 108 successful passes, three crosses, and four recoveries, Ceballos once again proved that he has become indispensable. This season, he has already played 22 matches, including the last four as a starter, totalling 1,044 minutes, as reported by Relevo. According to the Spanish media, which compares the statistics of Toni Kroos and Ceballos, the latter is better defensively. Indeed, according to the numbers, Dani averages 3.84 tackles and 1.37 interceptions per game, compared to 2.25 tackles and 0.72 interceptions for Kroos.
For someone who was on the verge of leaving during last summer’s transfer window, the situation has completely changed. With a new role as a key player in midfield, even ahead of Luka Modric, who has been pushed to the bench, the former Real Madrid player now deserves particular attention.
Florentino Pérez must reward Ceballos
A Real Madrid player since 2017, Dani Ceballos has never played as much for the team. A candidate for a permanent departure in January due to his lack of playing time earlier in the season, the Utrera native is now enjoying his best season as a footballer. Having become indispensable, the 28-year-old midfielder, whose contract with the club runs until 2027, should be rewarded with a salary increase. Given his patience, sacrifice, and performances exceeding expectations, Ceballos should receive a one-year contract extension with a better salary.
Now a key player in the squad, who is set to continue enhancing his talent through consecutive matches, Ceballos should move beyond the €10 million he currently earns to at least match the younger players like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, who each earn €12.5 million annually. Normally, given his status, new role as a preferred choice, and especially his longevity, Dani should be approaching players like Federico Valverde, who earns no less than €16 million.
Long overshadowed by Toni Kroos, whom he closely resembles in his playing style, the Spanish international, who is expected to return to the national team for the upcoming international breaks, now deserves the spotlight and the attention he deserves. Florentino Pérez should seal the deal by the end of the season to keep the 28-year-old player for many more years, as he will play a mentoring role in midfield after veteran Luka Modric’s retirement. At his age, Ceballos is now one of the oldest and most experienced players in Carlo Ancelotti’s team. He must be nurtured.
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