Neither Jude Bellingham nor Modric: The Current Best Midfielder in La Liga Is at Real Madrid

As the 2024/25 La Liga season progresses, an unexpected star has emerged in Spain’s top division. While many anticipated Jude Bellingham or Luka Modric to take center stage, Dani Ceballos has quietly become the key figure in Real Madrid’s midfield under Carlo Ancelotti.

After 18 matches, Real Madrid sits second in the league, just behind Atlético Madrid, who overtook Barcelona in the title race. This position highlights the club’s resilience after a tough start to the season. The departure of Toni Kroos created a significant gap, prompting tactical adjustments from Ancelotti. Amid these changes, Ceballos has emerged as an unlikely hero.

**Ceballos’s Revival**

Once considered a peripheral figure at Real Madrid, Dani Ceballos has found new life this season. With Kroos’s departure, Ceballos has stepped up to provide balance and control in midfield. The 28-year-old Spanish international has silenced critics with consistent, high-level performances, earning Carlo Ancelotti’s trust.

Initially a substitute, Ceballos’s vision, technical skill, and composure quickly drew attention from the coaching staff. By November, he had secured a regular starting spot, leading to tactical shifts that allowed him to shine.

**Statistical Excellence**

According to *Datamb.football*, a football analytics platform, Ceballos leads La Liga midfielders in several key metrics, including successful passes, pass accuracy, forward passes, and short passes per 90 minutes. He also ranks third in progressive passes per 90, an important measure of a midfielder’s ability to advance the ball and control play.

These statistics put him ahead of notable players like Pedri, Modric, and even his own teammate, Bellingham, underscoring his significance to the team.

**A Tactical Evolution**

Ancelotti deserves credit for recognizing and developing Ceballos’s strengths. The Italian coach has adapted his system to maintain midfield cohesion and dynamism despite Kroos’s absence. Ceballos’s ability to retain possession under pressure and transition the ball effectively has added a new dimension to Real Madrid’s style.

Beyond the stats, Ceballos’s work rate, spatial awareness, and link-up play with both attackers and defenders have made him an indispensable part of the team.

**Real Madrid’s Confidence in Ceballos**

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has shown strong faith in Ceballos, rejecting offers from Real Betis, who sought to bring the midfielder back. The club now views him as a key player for boththe present and the future, with his performances this season validating that belief.

**Challenges Ahead**

As the season progresses, Ceballos’s role will only become more crucial. Real Madrid faces a tough second half of the season, with important matches in both La Liga and the Champions League. His form and influence will be vital as the team competes for multiple trophies.

**Recognition Beyond Real Madrid**

Ceballos’s rise has not gone unnoticed, with analysts and fans alike praising his development. His ability to seize his opportunity and thrive in one of the world’s most competitive leagues has garnered widespread recognition.

**Operating in the Shadows**

Despite his stellar performances, Ceballos remains somewhat under the radar, overshadowed by the star power of teammates like Bellingham and Vinícius Jr. However, this has allowed him to focus on his craft, delivering consistent, quiet excellence without the need for headline-grabbing moments.

**A Journey of Perseverance**

Ceballos’s transformation from a fringe player to a central figure speaks volumes about his perseverance. Once criticized for inconsistency, he has proven his doubters wrong with his adaptability and determination, showing that even in a squad full of stars, a player can carve out a prominent role through hard work and discipline.

**Impact on Real Madrid’s Title Ambitions**

With Ceballos orchestrating the midfield, Real Madrid is better equipped to challenge for the La Liga title and compete at the highest level in Europe. His ability to control matches and provide stability in key moments has made the team more balanced and formidable.

**Looking Forward**

The coming months will test Ceballos’s ability to maintain his exceptional form. As Real Madrid pushes forward in both domestic and international competitions, his performances will be crucial in determining the team’s success. If he continues to shine, he will undoubtedly secure his place among the club’s greats.

**A New Story in La Liga**

While players like Modric and Bellingham will always draw attention, it is players like Ceballos who remind us of the beauty of football—where hard work, determination, and skill can elevate a player from obscurity to prominence.

**Conclusion**Although Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric are often regarded as the top midfielders in La Liga, Real Madrid fans can take pride in the fact that their true midfield maestro has been right under their noses. Dani Ceballos’s rise is a story of redemption and excellence, proving that sometimes the most valuable talent emerges when least expected.