Carlo Ancelotti backs Real Madrid star to fill void left by club legend Toni Kroos - Reports

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly counting on Federico Valverde to fill the void in Real Madrid's midfield following Toni Kroos' departure. The German legend was on the brink of retirement last year but chose to extend his stay at the club for another season.

This time, however, Kroos retired from the sport for good. Although the club boasts a stacked midfield lineup featuring the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni, Kroos' exit will undoubtedly impact the team.

After all, the 34-year-old had been an ever-present in their XI, making over 450 appearances and winning 22 trophies during his decade-long stay. But now, Ancelotti, as per MARCA (via MadridUniversal), thinks that Valverde can fill in his shoes in the near future.

The report adds that Valverde is now expected to shoulder more responsibilities after inheriting Kroos' No. 8 shirt. He will also apparently be one of Madrid's four captains next season, alongside Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez, and Dani Carvajal.

The Uruguayan is one of the most tenacious midfielders around and is highly versatile, capable of playing anywhere in attack and down the right flank. However, if Ancelotti views Valverde as a direct Kroos replacement in the line-up, then it could mean that he features more prominently as a No. 8 or even as a No. 6.

Valverde, 26, is at the peak of his powers and with 21 goals and 23 assists in 258 matches for Real Madrid, he has already cemented his status as a top player.

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Federico Valverde praised 'legend' Toni Kroos after his Real Madrid retirement

The 2023-24 UEFA Champions League final would probably have been a bittersweet occasion for Toni Kroos. He won his sixth, and Real Madrid their 14th Champions League title after the 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund.

But it was also the German's final game at club level. He made sure to leave a mark in his milestone match, assisting Dani Carvajal's all-important opener in the 74th minute.

Federico Valverde was on hand to pay his tributes to Kroos after the full-time whistle on June 1, and told Movistar (via beIN Sports):

"A lot, like everyone else [when asked how much he'll miss Toni Kroos]. He is a person who has left his legend here, his mark. We, as youngsters, try to learn as much from him as possible, like with [Luka] Modric."

Kroos represented Germany at the 2024 UEFA Euros in his homeland, playing in all five matches before his team was eliminated in the last-eight by Spain (2-1 A.E.T). He retired as the nation's seventh most-capped player with 114 appearances to his name.