5 replacements for Toni Kroos at Real Madrid

#3 Marco Verratti | Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg

Hailed as one of the best midfielders in the world, Marco Verratti's exploits for Paris Saint-Germain over the years is sure to attract interest from the European giants. The Italian midfielder is technically gifted and capable of running the show from the centre of the park, while his dribbling ability and close control has been singled out for special praise.

Additionally, Verratti's vision is also a significant feature of his gameplay, as he is capable of finding runners in behind the defence with his passing range. While he does not contribute too much in terms of goals and assists, the Italian maestro has all the desirable qualities one would expect from a deeper central midfielder — much like Kroos himself.

The 27-year-old has his prime years ahead of him and could emerge as a serious candidate for Real Madrid in the coming years.

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#2 Paul Pogba | Manchester United

Manchester United v Arsenal FC - Premier League

Amongst all the candidates on this list, Paul Pogba is the one who has been extensively linked with a move to Real Madrid. The French midfielder could leave Manchester United anytime in the next 12 months and has made no secret of his admiration for Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane, who he cites as one of his footballing idols.

Pogba's showmanship on the ball needs no introduction, having developed a reputation of being one of the most exciting players to watch on his day. In terms of his playing style, his box-to-box ability could give Real Madrid the best of both worlds, while his confidence and aura is sure to add to the La Liga giants' stature on the pitch.

With the exception of Eden Hazard, Real Madrid have refrained from spending the big-bucks on players in recent seasons. However, if Pogba were to become available, Florentino Perez could roll back the years and add another 'Galactico' to his squad, as the Frenchman prepares to enter the final year of his Manchester United contract.

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#1 Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City

Manchester City v Sheffield United - Premier League

On his day, Kevin De Bruyne is not only the best midfielder in the world, but also one of the biggest matchwinners in world football. The Belgian maestro has enhanced his reputations in recent seasons and elevated his game to new heights under Pep Guardiola, who has seemingly built his star-studded team around the former Chelsea man.

Lauded for his unique ability to score goals as well as create them, De Bruyne is also a tireless worker ball and is capable of striking the ball with both his feet. His crossing ability is also amongst the best in the business, while the 28-year-old's long-range shooting has also been on display countless times over the years.

De Bruyne's quality is undoubted and it goes without saying that he starts for every team in world football currently. If the Belgian midfielder is on the lookout for a new challenge, Real Madrid could turn to him to add another dimension to a midfield that currently lacks end product.

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