Carlo Ancelotti explains why Jude Bellingham will not be Toni Kroos’ Real Madrid heir | OneFootball

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has provided his take on why Jude Bellingham does not represent a natural heir to Toni Kroos in his midfield ranks.

This, of course, comes fresh off Kroos taking to the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu for the very last time.

After announcing his decision to hang up his boots in the summer earlier this week, the German international bid farewell to his long-time home on Saturday night, in Real Madrid’s La Liga season finale against Real Betis.

Kroos will in turn go on to feature from the off in next weekend’s Champions League showcase, before calling time on his legendary career following the upcoming European Championships.

And so, Los Blancos, beginning next season, will be forced to make do without a player who has been controlling proceedings from his berth in the middle of the park for the last decade.

Speaking to the media on the back of his side’s goalless stalemate with Betis, it therefore came as little surprise when the gaping hole set to be left in his side’s engine room was put to the aforementioned Carlo Ancelotti.

Specifically, Real Madrid’s headmaster was asked if he envisions Jude Bellingham dropping deeper into Kroos’ position in the future.

Ancelotti, however, shut such suggestions down, in explaining:

“Bellingham as Kroos’ heir? No, I think not. The closer Bellingham is to the penalty area the better for us. We have other midfielders.”

Conor Laird | GSFN