Stats: Why Real Madrid underdog could be the knight in shining armour against Arsenal | OneFootball

As Real Madrid find themselves in a tough moment on the pitch, with a difficult second leg against Arsenal coming up after a 0-3 defeat in London, one name is starting to stand out in all the discussions—Dani Ceballos.

While most eyes are on the big names like Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, or Rodrygo, it is Ceballos who might actually hold the key to turning things around for the team.

Following the loss in London, the mood around Real Madrid has not been good. Many players were criticised for lacking intensity and not stepping up when it mattered most.

Fans and experts have been trying to figure out where it all went wrong and, more importantly, how it can be fixed.

A knight in shining armour with numbers on his side

Dani Ceballos could be key to Real Madrid’s comeback. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Interestingly, in the middle of all the chaos, Ceballos has emerged as a possible solution to many of the team’s current problems.

His presence seems to bring much-needed calm, control, and structure—qualities Real Madrid has sorely missed this season.

When we look at the numbers, the difference Ceballos makes is clear. With him in the starting XI, Real Madrid have recorded 13 wins, 1 draw and just 2 losses.

These are solid stats, especially when compared to the overall season performance, where the team has 7 draws and 11 defeats in all competitions.

This shows that Ceballos, although not always in the spotlight, plays a crucial role when he is involved.

Real Madrid’s void and Ceballos’ role

Numbers back Dani Ceballos. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

It must be noted that the core issue for Real Madrid lies in the midfield. With Toni Kroos retired and Luka Modric in his final years, the club has already lost the midfield duo that dominated European football for a decade.

This season, the responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of players like Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde.

While there is nothing against them, none of them possess the calmness and control that Kroos and Modric once provided.

In this changing midfield landscape, Ceballos has quietly become the closest thing Real Madrid have to a replacement for Kroos.

He is someone who can help the team play out from the back, manage possession under pressure, and link different parts of the team together.

His ability to stay calm when pressed by the opposition, hold onto the ball and pick out smart passes adds a different dimension to the team’s gameplay.

These are not flashy skills, but they are essential for a team that wants to play with control and stability.

Not given enough opportunities

Injuries have hampered Ceballos’ playing time. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Unfortunately, Ceballos has either been injured or overlooked by Carlo Ancelotti for large parts of the season. When he has been given chances, the difference has been noticeable.

Without him, Real Madrid often looks disorganised, especially when trying to play through the midfield or when facing teams that press high up the pitch.

Looking ahead to the second leg against Arsenal, everything suggests that Real Madrid will need more than just attacking firepower.

Even if one of their forwards is unavailable, there are still options from the bench. However, the real concern is what happens if Ceballos does not play. Without him, Real Madrid tend to lose their shape and struggle to control matches.