A “Total Midfielder”: Real Madrid Missed Out on Youri Tielemans as Kroos Successor
A Belgian Analyst’s Bold Claim
Belgian football analyst Filip Joos didn’t hold back when discussing Real Madrid’s midfield void following Toni Kroos’s retirement. In a commentary for Play Sports, he asserted that the club would have resolved much of its midfield troubles if they had signed Youri Tielemans, now starring at Aston Villa, as Kroos’s replacement. Joos praised Tielemans as:
A “fantastic player” with immense versatility and power
A midfielder who excels both in deep-lying roles and defensive duties
In his words, a player who’s become a “total midfielder“Tribuna.com
Tielemans’s Rise at Aston Villa
Since his free transfer to Aston Villa in 2023, Tielemans has revived his career impressively. Last season alone, he made 53 appearances, contributing 5 goals and 10 assists, firmly establishing himself as a driving force in Villa’s midfieldTribuna.comWikipedia. Joos’s appraisal is echoed by others—analyst Frank Boeckx even placed him in the Premier League Team of the YearTribuna.com.
The Case for a Midfield Maestro
At 28, Tielemans is in his prime, combining experience with top-tier performance. His blend of defensive responsibility, ball progression, and attack support mirrors the kind of control Kroos offered—a combination Real lacks since Kroos’s departureWikipediaTribuna.com.
Key Attributes That Set Tielemans Apart
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Versatility | Excellent both defensively and offensively—a true box-to-box presence |
| Ball Control & Vision | Known for progressive passing and game management |
| Consistency | Delivered standout performance week in and week out during the season |
| Maturity & Experience | Aged 28 and excelling in a demanding Premier League setup |
Bottom Line: Many see Tielemans as a missed opportunity for Real Madrid—a midfielder capable of anchoring the team’s engine room with the same finesse Toni Kroos provided.
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