Thread by @FutureCentro, [Centro Transfers] Finding Real Madrid a replacement for Luka Modric using statistics. [...]

FutureCentro

[Centro Transfers] Finding Real Madrid a replacement for Luka Modric using statistics. Who is fit to replace the Croatian Los Blancos legend?

@FuRantz

[Centro Transfers] Finding Real Madrid a replacement for Luka Modric using statistics. Who is fit to replace the Croatian Los Blancos legend? @FuRantz

Luka Modric is one of the greatest midfielders to grace the game. Superb passing, dribbling, progression, press resistance, reading the game, positioning, and even some end product at times.

Having 262 appearances for Los Blancos, he won 4 CLs, 2 USCs, 3 CWCs, 3 Supercopas, 2 LL titles, 1 CDR title, along with individual awards such as LL MOTY AND UEFA MOTY twice as well as the Balon d'Or once.

He is one of the greatest players in Real Madrid's history.

However, he is not getting any younger and needs to be replaced eventually.

So realistically, how can you replace someone like Luka Modric? Well obviously, being realistic, you will not get someone on Luka Modric's level (or higher) for a very long time.

So ideally, you'd want someone aged between 20-24 that is still good at progressing the ball, great at dribbling, can play a lot of passed under pressure, etc even if it's not on Modric's level.

Who are the 3 most ideal replacements for the Croatian midfielder?

- Florian Neuhaus

Valued at €38m, he holds his own. Decent defensively, creates good chances, and is very press resistant.

Cons are that despite being decent defensively and getting a satisfactory number of xA, he gets dribbled past easily+rarely plays key passes.

- Nicolò Barella

Valued at €60m, he is a standout in Inter's title race. Creates lots of chances, press resistance, wins lots of duels, adequate dribbler, and rarely gets dribbled past.

His low passing success rate would most likely improve over time at Madrid.

- Fabián Ruiz

Rumored to cost around €60m, he is the top pick for the replacement to Luka Modric. Can create chances, string passes together, pass in a long-range, and defend competently all at once.

His main flaw is his dribbling (which is something that can be improved).

Honourable Mention - Ismaël Bennacer

Valued at €40m, he is a very talented player. Efficient dribbler, satisfactory defensively, and a supreme passer.

However, his small sample size (1035 mins.) and lack of a final ball make him a less appropriate replacement than the other 3.