Real Madrid identify four options to take over corner-kick duties from Toni Kroos

Change is an inevitable and essential facet of football, and significant transformations are anticipated at Real Madrid next season.

The club is poised to undergo substantial changes in various aspects, from the coaching strategies and player lineup to team dynamics.

After all, the Merengues are bidding farewell to two of their most experienced leaders on the pitch.

Toni Kroos, one of their key midfield commanders, and Nacho Fernandez, a stalwart in defence, have both departed the club.

Meanwhile, new faces are also joining the ranks. Kylian Mbappe and Endrick are set to reform Real Madrid’s approach next season, while further fortifications cannot be ruled out, with the likes of Leny Yoro and Alphonso Davies high on the club’s wishlist.

Real Madrid’s new corner takers

Now, according to AS, Real Madrid plans to experiment with a new corner taker for the upcoming season.

When Luka Modric is on the pitch, he will be entrusted with taking the corners, given his experience and passing precision.

However, in his absence, the club has identified Arda Guler, Federico Valverde, and Rodrygo as the other top options for corner-taking duties.

Due to Modric’s age and increasing role as a squad player, he is not anticipated to be a regular name on the team sheet.

As such, the responsibility of corner-taking will likely fall more frequently to the younger talents, allowing them to gain experience and showcase their skills in set-piece situations.

Among the names mentioned, Valverde’s position appears to be the safest in the lineup, considering that Guler and Rodrygo will have to battle it out for their minutes.

Next season could therefore see Valverde hone his set-piece prowess and add another ability to his vast repertoire.

Guler did showcase his prowess from corner kicks during Turkey’s quarter-final run at the UEFA Euro 2024 and could be an interesting option when on the pitch.