The Legend of Real Madrid, Toni Kroos, announced with an impressive statement that caused shock in the world of football: the young Turkish star Arda Güler is the ideal successor of the iconic number 10 of Luka Modric. These days, when Modric’s brilliant race, winner of the 2018 Golden Ball, approached at the end of his brilliant career, the speculation about who would inherit his legendary shirt has increased. Kroos, of great importance at Santiago Bernabéu, expressed his position in the last part of his podcast, “Einfach Mal Luppen”, and unleashed an intense debate between fans and experts.
Kroos, who left professional football in 2024 after a decade full of trophies in Real Madrid, remains a name that is heard in the world of sport. The support to Güler is not only a common opinion, but a blunt expression about the future of the club. The German midfielder, known for his impeccable aim and his tactical brilliance, believes that Güler has the unique combination of creativity, vision and cold blood to wear the number 10 shirt, which is identified with legends such as Ferenc Puskas, Zinedine Zidane and Modric.
Güler, who joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2023, is considered an extraordinary talent with enormous potential. Despite his limited game time due to injuries and hard competition between the stars of Madrid, the 19 -year -old showed moments of brilliance. In particular, their performances in LaLiga and the Copa del Rey were compared to those of some of the best football. Kroos, who played with Güler before retiring, highlighted the young player’s ability to control and create goal occasions in the pace of the game. These qualities reflect Modric’s moderation in the midfield.
The importance of Kroos’s explanation should not be underestimated. Modric, who is currently 39 years old, has been the heart of the midfield of Real Madrid for more than a decade and has directed the game with a unique elegance. Dorsal 10 is not only a number, but also a symbol of leadership and perfection. The choice of Kroos de Güler as the only player capable of covering these needs says a lot about the potential of the young Turk. “Arda has a special side,” Kroos said in a podcast. «See the game differently, and that is uncommon. Dorsal 10 is not only about skill, but also responsibility ».
This support comes at a crucial moment for Güler, who faces difficulties in achieving a starting position in the initial eleven under the direction of Carlo Ancelotti. Despite important objectives such as Getafe in April 2025, Güler used to be in the shadow of consolidated stars such as Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde. However, Ancelotti had already given clues about a brilliant future for Güler and recalled an unforgettable interview in the person in which he convinced the young player to signs for Madrid, promising a position in the post-modric era. Ancelotti told Güler that “Modric and Kroos can put you in the center of the field when they are too old, and this prophecy seems to come true.”
Kroos’ comments also resume the debate on the transition of midfield at Real Madrid. After the withdrawal of Kroos and the end of Modric’s career, the club was looking for players who were the reference of the next generation. Valverde inherits the Dorsal 8 of Kroos, while the 10 has a different legacy; A legacy that requires creativity and ability. Güler’s ability to play as an extreme and midfielder makes him a versatile candidate that can adapt to Ancelotti’s tactical demands.
The world of football took note of this bold statement from Kroos. Social networks, especially the X, were shocked by the reactions of the fans. Many recognize that Güler’s technical skill and boldness made him the ideal option for number 10. However, others argue that the pressure of such a prestigious number can be excessive for a player who still tries to settle in the elite. However, Kroos’ support raised Güler’s popularity and put it in the spotlight as the future potential of Real Madrid.
As the 2025-26 season progresses, all eyes will be placed on demonstrating that Güler can meet Kroos’ high expectations. With the withdrawal of Modric just around the corner, Dorsal 10 is heated, and Güler seems to have the support of one of the most important players in Madrid. It is still not clear if Real Madrid can consolidate its place in history, but Toni Kroos has made it clear for now: Arda Güler has been chosen.
