Carlo Ancelotti Hails Real Madrid Midfielder After Impressive Display in La Liga Win Against Granada

Carlo Ancelotti Hails Real Madrid Midfielder After Impressive Display in La Liga Win Against Granada

Ero Samson
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
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  • Real Madrid recorded another La Liga win against Granada
  • The victory was Carlo Ancelotti’s side fifth on the bounce
  • The Italian manager has hailed a midfielder following his impressive showing

Real Madrid extended their impressive start to the season with yet another triumph in the La Liga clash against Granada.

Carlo Ancelotti's team effortlessly navigated what initially seemed to be a cautious encounter, breaking the deadlock with a brilliant combination play between midfielder Toni Kroos and Brahim Diaz.

Real Madrid
Brahim Diaz celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Granada CF. Image: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno.
Source: Getty Images

Los Blancos continued their immense showing with another goal in the second half courtesy of in-form Brazilian attacker Rodrygo de Goes.

Nevertheless, the standout performance of the night bore the unmistakable signature of Kroos.

The German midfielder, operating in his customary deep-lying midfield role, orchestrated a commanding display for the reigning La Liga champions.

According to data from Sofascore, the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner completed an impressive 17 of his 18 attempted long balls during the match.

Since the 2015/16 season, Kroos has consistently delivered outstanding performances, playing at least eight La Liga games with 15 or more long balls completed at an accuracy of 90% or higher, a feat unmatched by any other player in the same timeframe.

Kroos' exceptional performance did not go unnoticed, earning him high praise from his manager, Ancelotti.

Carlo Ancelotti hails Kroos

Speaking to the media after the game, the 64-year-old Italian, as reported by Marca, commented on the midfielder, saying,

"He’s unique because he doesn’t miss passes and always makes the right decision. He’s a midfielder who wants the ball. The best thing is the control and guidance that he has. Toni Kroos is irreplaceable, even when he’s not playing."

Ancelotti's sentiments resonate widely, as Real Madrid consistently demonstrates a superior performance when Kroos is on the field, a trend observed over the past nine years.

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Ancelotti defends Kepa

Sports Brief in a previous report stated Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti defended Kepa Arrizabalaga following an horrendous mistake against Napoli.

The Chelsea loanee was largely to blame for the first goal conceded by Los Blancos against Napoli following a header from Norwegian defender Loe Ostigard at the Stadio Maradona.

Kepa's subpar performances have led to criticism from doubters, but coach Carlo Ancelotti has come to his defence.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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