As the Spanish La Liga season reaches its midpoint, one player from Carlo Ancelotti's team stands out as the top performer among midfielders. Surprisingly, it's neither Jude Bellingham nor Luka Modric, but rather Dani Ceballos.
After 18 matches, Real Madrid sits second in La Liga, behind Atlético Madrid. Following a complicated start to the season, Ancelotti's team has found its footing, thanks in part to adjustments made by the coaching staff.
While Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric started strong, Dani Ceballos has been the unsung hero, making significant contributions in the shadows.
Ceballos: The Revelation in La Liga
After struggling to find playing time, Dani Ceballos' situation improved this season. With Toni Kroos' departure, Ancelotti had to reassess Ceballos' role. The 28-year-old Spanish midfielder has impressed with his gameplay, demonstrating his ability to maintain possession and provide balance in midfield.
Since November, Ceballos has become a staple in Real Madrid's midfield. His performances have convinced Florentino Pérez and Carlo Ancelotti to keep him, despite interest from Real Betis.
According to datamb.football, which tracks player statistics, Dani Ceballos tops the list of La Liga midfielders in several categories, including:
- Successful passes
- Passing accuracy
- Forward passes
- Forward passing accuracy
- Short passes per 90 minutes
He also ranks third in progressive passes per 90 minutes. This exceptional performance has Ceballos making a significant impact in the shadows.
With this revelation, Carlo Ancelotti can take comfort in knowing that Dani Ceballos will continue to make crucial contributions in the second half of the season, particularly in important matches like the Champions League.