Our midfield options for the 2022/23 campaign consists of the old guard; Kroos, Casemiro and Modric (KCM). The young bucks; Fede, Camavinga, Tchouameni and Dani Ceballos. In the match against Club America, we saw both trios get a chance to showcase their talent. 

In the first half, Kroos, Casemiro and Modric (KCM) had a brilliant game with the ball at their feet but got bypassed easily through penetrating passes and drives from Club America’s midfielders. 

When Fede, Camavinga, Tchouameni and Ceballos entered the field, we played with higher intensity and tenacity. 

The natural thing to say is play KCM less this season and start the young bucks in their absence. The brilliant but confusing thing about football is that everything isn’t always so simple. 

Why can’t the young players start most games on their own?

The midfield is the heart of every team. Every attack flows from it and every defensive move or pattern requires midfielders to be there. KCM have been there and done that. They are serial winners and have beaten Europe’s best by dominating games, playing on the counter attack and sometimes even participating in the dark arts. The point is, they know how to handle different in-game situations because of their experience. 

Camavinga, Tchouameni and Valverde are all quality footballers. They bring individual qualities that will help the team in years to come. But collectively, they’re not yet ready to take over. They need to continue to develop their game and most importantly, learn the importance of rhythm. When to speed up the game and when to calm things down. 

How to integrate the young midfielders this season?

In my opinion, the best way to integrate them is by using different combinations of midfielders. Mix the experienced heads with the young bucks. This will allow them to understand the game better and faster with the help of cultured players next to them. 

For example, you can play Tchouameni with Modric and Kroos ahead of him or Camavinga and Fede with Casemiro. Or even pair Casemiro and Tchouameni in a double pivot with Modric in the 10. 

We have a plethora of midfield options and Carlo will definitely have a massive headache. But I’m sure he’ll prefer to be forced to bench players rather than willingly do so.

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