Real Madrid have struggled to build attacks since Toni Kroos’ departure, with coach Carlo Ancelotti trying various midfield setups, but without success. The lack of a midfielder with exceptional vision and technique has exposed a significant weakness that needs to be addressed before the 2025 season.
Kroos’ exit dealt a major blow to the team’s tactical setup, and efforts to find an adequate replacement have been unsuccessful. In response, Florentino Pérez has begun reconsidering past decisions that may have contributed to the team’s current predicament.
One such decision, as reported by the Spanish newspaper Marca, was the departure of Nico Paz, the young midfielder who moved to Italian club Como seeking more playing time.
Paz has impressed in Serie A since his move last summer, earning a call-up to the Argentine national team under coach Lionel Scaloni. His standout performances have earned him widespread acclaim, including from Lionel Messi, who described him as “fantastic” and praised his maturity and technical skills, calling him “a young man who is growing quickly, with a great mind and a bright future.”
Paz’s rise has not gone unnoticed, and Real Madrid are now reconsidering their decision to sell him. Last summer, Pérez sold 50% of Paz’s rights to Como for just over €6 million, a relatively low fee considering his recent performances. With Kroos gone, Paz could have been a key player in the midfield, but Real Madrid will have to wait until 2025 to try to bring him back.
Pérez is beginning to regret letting Paz go, as he could have filled the gap left by Kroos. While Paz continues to excel in Italy, Real Madrid urgently need a midfielder to step up. Over time, Pérez will likely reassess his transfer choices to strengthen the midfield. Given Messi’s endorsement and Paz’s potential, it’s clear the 20-year-old is a promising talent that shouldn’t have been let go so easily.
