Dani Ceballos is breaking through Real Madrid's old guard

Dani Ceballos was always seen as one of the biggest midfield talents in Spain, especially during his time at Real Betis. At Real Madrid however, he has largely been a part of the furniture. Relegated to being an after thought alongside the likes of Jesus Vallejo and Mariano Diaz. An unremarkable loan spell at Arsenal didn't help much.

This season however, after being given a look in by Carlo Ancelotti, he has turned things on its head.

As Real Madrid take on Liverpool in the Champions League, Ceballos deserves to be the first name in their midfield. It is something he has earned by effectively being Real's best player over the last couple of months. Even when Real have looked far from their best of late, Ceballos has looked like a beacon of hope.

The multiplicity of the roles he can do in midfield has also helped. He can do the Kroos role i.e. control the game from deep with his passing. He can also do the Modric role that is, guiding the attacks in and around the final third. Additionally he is younger and has a lot less mileage in his legs. His athleticism has also helped especially in defensive transitions. His recent performances have also meant that Modric and Kroos rarely start together anymore. This season when both the stalwarts have started, Real have looked vulnerable sometimes.

All of Kroos, Modric and Ceballos' contracts expire this summer. With Real's reported interest in Jude Bellingham, don't be surprised if alongside Ceballos only one of their legendary duopoly get a renewal.