Modric is cheating time, but Madrid HAS to start preparing for life after him. A 39-year-old cannot be relied upon to carry the midfield forever. Indeed, he is still balling out, but eventually the age will strike. It happens to EVERY player. Look at Iniesta's last years at Barça, Xavi's slow fading before travelling to Qatar, or Pirlo's difficulties in his last Juventus season
Who steps up?
- Jude Bellingham serves as the natural heir, but his role is more advanced
- Tchouaméni is a destroyer, not a tempo-setter
- Camavinga is great, but still inconsistent in orchestrating a midfield
Madrid has to begin considering that deep-lying playmaker function this summer. One cannot expect a fresh Modric to show up one day. And Valverde? Though he is a monster, he finds great delight in chaos rather than discipline. When you call for speed, verticality, and destruction, he is the one you release. He is not the sort of "dictate the tempo" player
Madrid’s schedule is brutal. If they don’t handle these rotations right, they could burn out like Barça 2022 or Atlético 2021 when they peaked too early and collapsed. This goes beyond merely letting players resting. This has to do with long-term supremacy
I don't know if you watch Real Madrid games often, but they have been bringing him in for a few minutes in most matches. To me, it looks they have already prepared for his exit. They do have many leaders and potential leaders on pitch.
Even Valverde isn't as bad as you think (chaos wise)
I think Real Madrid will be fine in the midfield department with time. No need for alarm. By the way, did you know that Modric was considered a flop at one time after his move from Spurs?