Ancelotti claims Real Madrid have best midfield & striker in the world

The Italian spoke highly of the quality inside his squad after making an excellent start to life back in the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti reckons he has the world’s best striker and midfield at his disposal.

The 62-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to his second spell in charge of the club, winning 19 of his opening 25 games (D4 L2). Real Madrid have ended the year on top of La Liga by eight points. The Spanish giants are also through to the Champions League knockouts as Group D winners.

Several players, meanwhile, have thrived under Ancelotti, particularly star striker Karim Benzema. The Frenchman has supplied 15 goals and seven assists in only 18 La Liga games this season, making up 82% of the club’s 41 goals.

“I think [he’s the best striker] because now he adds great ability and scoring consistency to his football,” Ancelotti told AS. “He scores as many as Cristiano Ronaldo or [Erling] Haaland.

“Benzema is a player who makes a difference. We just saw him prove that again in the match against Athletic, with two goals in a very short time. He is in spectacular form.”

Real Madrid’s midfield trio is the best

The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss singled out his midfield trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro as the best in the world as well.

“I do [believe they are the best]. All three form the best midfield in the world today,” added Ancelotti.

“Perhaps the midfielders who play box-to-box are more popular, but Modric, Kroos and Casemiro have so much experience and so much ability that they are extraordinary. In addition, they mix so well together. When the three of them are together, nobody can compare to them.”

Ancelotti also backed Benzema (34) and Kroos (31) to emulate a 36-year-old Modric’s longevity at the highest level for the best part of the next decade.

Real Madrid return to action on January 2 away to city rivals Getafe in La Liga.